[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 36 (Friday, February 24, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E141-E142]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE STRENGTH OF THE UKRAINIAN PEOPLE AND RECOMMITTING TO 
                   SUPPORT THEIR FIGHT FOR DEMOCRACY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MIKIE SHERRILL

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 24, 2023

  Ms. SHERRILL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the strength of 
the Ukrainian people after enduring one year of merciless attacks by 
Russian forces. February 24, 2023, marks one year since Vladimir 
Putin's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, which has claimed tens of 
thousands of lives and displaced millions of people.
  When Putin ordered his tanks and forces into regions like Mariupol 
and Kharkiv, he thought Ukraine would fall in a matter of days. Instead 
of an easy victory, Putin's war of aggression has been a dismal 
failure.
  In the past year, l visited Ukraine right before the Russian invasion 
and again this past summer. There, l saw clear evidence of Putin's war 
crimes--atrocities against civilians and children, and attacks on the 
Ukrainian people's very existence as a nation. I walked around St. 
Andrew's Church in Bucha where 116 people were buried in a mass grave 
because the city morgue was completely occupied. But I also saw 
Ukrainians display remarkable resilience and bravery, even when Russian 
forces attacked basic services and critical civilian infrastructure.
  The people of Ukraine refuse to be forced into an authoritarian state 
where any opposition is met with jail, torture, or murder. They are 
prepared to pay the ultimate price for their freedom. Ukrainian armed 
forces and leadership, like President Zelensky, defend their homeland 
with skill, determination, and bravery.
  I have met with many NATO members over the past year and am proud to 
report that NATO is stronger than ever. We are more united than ever in 
providing military, economic, and humanitarian assistance to support 
Ukraine's right to sovereignty.
  The United States and our Western allies understand that Putin's 
invasion of Ukraine is not just a Ukraine problem, it's a battle 
between democracy and authoritarianism worldwide. We are delivering a 
strong and unequivocal answer: we will stand guard over freedom today, 
tomorrow, and forever.
  Since the invasion, the United States has provided unprecedented 
support and coordination, which has helped the Ukrainian military make 
exponential gains. During my last trip, I told President Zelensky about 
his deep support from the Ukrainian-American community here in the 
United States. I have met with Parliamentarians from Ukraine throughout 
the war, twice in the past two months alone, as well as the Mayor of 
Kyiv, and it is always important to me to share the deep support they 
have from Americans from across the country.
  Our area, which has one of the largest Ukrainian-American populations 
in the United States, has demonstrated remarkable generosity and 
determination to support the children, families, and servicemembers of 
Ukraine. The Ukrainian Cultural Center of NJ has shipped 18 containers 
to Ukraine with aid valued at over $4 million. Local families have 
opened their homes to Ukrainians seeking refuge from the conflict. Our 
local governments and law enforcement have sent supplies, including 
equipment like bullet-proof vests.
  Picatinny Arsenal in my congressional district has been integral to 
Ukraine's military success. They have developed the primary cannon 
being used by the Ukrainian army, and continue to be responsible for 
every piece of ammunition being sent by the United States to Ukraine. 
We are so proud of their work and dedication.
  The U.S. and our fellow democracies must continue to support Ukraine 
in 2023 to prevent a new era of authoritarianism. I remain committed to 
protecting the fundamental values of

[[Page E142]]

peace, prosperity, and stability across the globe.

                          ____________________