[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 92 (Thursday, May 26, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S2746]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
UKRAINE
Mr. KING. Mr. President, today, I ask unanimous consent to have
printed in the Record the Joint Resolution Expressing Support For The
People Of Ukraine which was passed overwhelmingly by the Maine State
Legislature. Together, we recognize the importance of democratic
institutions and values around the world, and we are resolute in
fighting against the forces of authoritarianism. This joint resolution
reiterates Maine people's support for peace, diplomacy, and the
immediate end to the invasion.
There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in
the Record, as follows:
State of Maine
in the year of our lord two thousand twenty-two
joint resolution expressing support for the people of ukraine
Whereas, Ukraine is the second largest country in Europe;
and
Whereas, on January 21, 1990, more than 300,000 Ukrainians
called for unity and independence from the Soviet Union by
forming a human chain between the cities of Kyiv and Ivano-
Frankivsk; and
Whereas, after years of oppression, in 1991 Ukraine won
freedom from the Soviet Union's totalitarian dictatorship
because of the Ukrainians' love of liberty; and
Whereas, Ukraine is a sovereign nation, and the United
States and Ukraine have been partners since Ukraine declared
its independence from the Soviet Union more than 30 years
ago; and
Whereas, the people of Maine and the people of Ukraine
share a commitment to democracy, human rights and the rule of
law; and
Whereas, Ukrainians and Ukrainian Americans have enriched
our communities through their leadership and contributions in
agriculture, business, academia, government and the arts; and
Whereas, on December 5, 1994, in an effort to solidify
security commitments to Ukraine in return for its nuclear
disarmament, the United States, the Russian Federation and
the United Kingdom signed the Budapest Memorandum on Security
Assurances, whereby each country pledged to respect the
independence and sovereignty of Ukraine's borders while
refraining from the threat or use of force against Ukraine;
and
Whereas, over the past 3 decades, the Russian Federation
has illegally seized Ukrainian land in Crimea; armed Russian-
backed separatists, leading to thousands of deaths;
interfered in elections; used chemical weapons to attempt
assassinations; carried out cyberattacks and disinformation
campaigns abroad; and violated international arms control
agreements; and
Whereas, on February 24, 2022, Russian President Vladimir
Putin abandoned diplomacy and international pleas for peace
and launched an unprovoked military invasion of Ukraine; and
Whereas, this attack on Ukraine has already killed
thousands of Ukrainian service members and civilians and
caused an urgent international humanitarian crisis; and
Whereas, President Putin has denied the existence of
Ukraine and seeks to overthrow the democratically elected
government of Ukraine; and
Whereas, the Russian Federation has flagrantly violated
international law in attempting to unilaterally create 2 new
so-called republics on sovereign Ukrainian territory; and
Whereas, lasting peace and prosperity require respect for
the sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries and
respect for human rights; and
Whereas, the people of Ukraine are now engaged in an armed
conflict to defend their independence and democratic way of
life; now, therefore, be it
Resolved: That We, the Members of the One Hundred and
Thirtieth Legislature now assembled in the Second Regular
Session, on behalf of the people we represent, take this
opportunity to recognize the democratic values shared by the
people of Maine and the people of Ukraine; and be it further
Resolved: That the State of Maine stands in solidarity with
the people of Ukraine as they fight for their freedom; and be
it further
Resolved: That the State of Maine condemns the unprovoked
Russian invasion of Ukraine and reiterates its support for
peace, diplomacy and an immediate end to the invasion; and be
it further
Resolved: That the State of Maine recognizes the importance
of and commends the steps the United States has taken so far
to punish the Russian government for its actions and to offer
humanitarian relief to the Ukrainian people; and be it
further
Resolved: That the State of Maine encourages our citizens
to support Ukrainian Americans and the people of Ukraine in
their urgent time of need; and be it further
Resolved: That suitable copies of this resolution, duly
authenticated by the Secretary of State, be transmitted to
the Honorable Joseph R. Biden, Jr., President of the United
States, and each Member of the Maine Congressional
Delegation.
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