[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 39 (Thursday, March 3, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E211]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    SUPPORTING THE PEOPLE OF UKRAINE

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. NANCY PELOSI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 2, 2022

  Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, since Russia launched its unprovoked, 
premediated war, the world has been awed by the extraordinary courage 
and resolve of the Ukrainian people, who--as we speak--are fighting 
against great odds to defend their sovereignty, their country's 
territorial integrity and their lives.
  Their resilience is an inspiration. Their iron will is nothing short 
of heroic. And their determination to save their democracy is a beacon 
to which the world has rallied.
  But as they fight, Ukrainians face a situation of severe violence and 
chaos unleashed by Putin. Congress remains extremely concerned about 
reports of potentially thousands of Ukrainian civilian casualties, 
including children. And we are concerned about the humanitarian 
situation facing the nearly 1 million Ukrainians who have been forced 
to flee their country.
  During this time of suffering for the Ukrainian people, America and 
the world must be there for them: without delay or reservation.
  Led by President Biden and our allies, the international community 
has come together with historic strength and coordination to hold 
Russia accountable and to support Ukraine.
  President Biden prepared or this moment: for months, calling out 
Putin and countering his lies, building a coalition of freedom-loving 
countries, and making clear that we stand with Ukraine.
  Indeed, instead of dividing the U.S. from its partners, Putin's 
actions have united the world, further isolated Russia and strengthened 
NATO.
  Now, with our partners, we are imposing costs on Russia for its 
lethal aggression that will leave it diminished on the world stage and 
weakened in every way: economically, diplomatically, and strategically.
  Our actions include powerful economic sanctions, cutting off Russia's 
banks, hamstringing its Central Bank, choking off its access to 
technology, going after the oligarchs that fund war, and much more.
  And we are continuing to fully support the people of Ukraine--with 
America delivering over $1 billion in direct security assistance over 
the last year alone. With our allies, we will continue to provide 
security assistance, humanitarian and economic assistance, and bolster 
NATO.
  Today, with this resolution, Congress is sending a further message to 
Ukraine and the world of our unwavering support for Ukraine, as we:
  Demand an immediate withdrawal of Russian forces and end to their 
violence;
  Support, unequivocally, Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial 
integrity; and
  Reaffirm our commitment to further action to support Ukraine and to 
isolate Russia, together with our partners and NATO allies.
  As the resolution states, Congress ``stands steadfastly, staunchly, 
proudly, and fervently behind the Ukrainian people in their fight 
against the authoritarian Putin regime.''
  I thank Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Gregory Meeks, and the 
Congressional Ukraine Caucus, particularly Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur, 
who has been a champion for Ukraine in the Congress for decades. I also 
thank Congresswoman Victoria Spartz (born and raised in Ukraine).
  As President Biden said in his State of the Union Address yesterday 
evening: ``When the history of this era is written, Putin's war on 
Ukraine will have left Russia weaker and the rest of the world 
stronger.
  ``In the battle between democracy and autocracy, democracies are 
rising to the moment, and the world is clearly choosing the side of 
peace and security.
  ``Putin may circle Kyiv with tanks, but he will never gain the hearts 
and souls of the Ukrainian people. He will never extinguish their love 
of freedom. He will never weaken the resolve of the free world.''
  As we pray for the people of Ukraine, we remain resolute in our 
commitment to action to hold Putin accountable and to supporting 
democracy, peace, and security in the region and around the world.
  I urge a strong bipartisan vote for this resolution to support 
Ukraine as its people fight for peace, freedom and the future of their 
nation.

                          ____________________