Sheeran, Esper, Ayotte, Townsend, Massimino Speak Out Against Vladimir Putin’s Invasion of Ukraine
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Members of the McCain Institute’s Board of Trustees today issued the following statements condemning Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine:
“Vladimir Putin’s deployment of troops into Ukraine is a blatant violation of international law and must be met with a crushing cost. This brazen assault on a sovereign and democratic Ukraine demands free nations to stand firm in defense of democracy.” McCain Institute Executive Chairman Ambassador Josette Sheeran
“Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is unjustified, illegal, and reprehensible. Vladimir Putin is an autocrat, and the people of Russia and Europe continue to pay for his malign behavior. The world’s democracies must respond with the most severe economic and financial sanctions to punish Moscow for this unwarranted action, compel Russia’s immediate withdrawal, and restore Ukraine’s sovereignty. In the meantime, we must stand behind and continue to support the innocent people of Ukraine in their historic fight against Russian aggression. It is imperative that the U.S. lead the West in defense of our shared values, and the longstanding global norms and international rules that are under siege from authoritarian governments in Moscow and Beijing.” Former U.S. Defense Secretary and John S. McCain Distinguished Fellow Dr. Mark T. Esper
“Vladimir Putin’s brazen invasion of Ukraine calls for unwavering strength and resolve from the United States and our NATO allies. The United States and NATO should stand with the people of Ukraine as they fight to maintain their sovereignty, because the consequences of not confronting Putin’s invasion of Ukraine will be severe, as Putin undoubtedly will set his sights further into Europe. The United States must lead the effort to denounce and push back on the Kremlin’s illegitimate and unwarranted assault on a sovereign nation.” Former Senator Kelly Ayotte
“Vladimir Putin’s aggression against Ukraine must not be tolerated and the U.S. and her allies must inflict a high cost to send a clear message. The message must be that sovereign, democratic nations are not playgrounds for the expansionist impulses of authoritarians. I believe in Ukraine as ferociously as John McCain did and hope that the American response to this crisis is one that he would have been proud of.” Former Homeland Security Advisor Frances Townsend
“Let’s be clear: this is a war of choice by Putin to prevent the political independence of a sovereign state. It is a grave threat to global norms and an unspeakable tragedy for the Ukrainian people. The human cost will be incalculable. The United States, having tried valiantly to deter this disaster through diplomacy, must now lead a robust, coordinated response to ensure that the invasion proves economically and geopolitically ruinous for the Kremlin. And Europe must prepare to provide protection to what could be millions of Ukrainian citizens displaced by persecution and violence.” Elisa Massimino, Director of the Human Rights Institute at Georgetown University Law Center
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Inspired by Senator John S. McCain and his family’s legacy of public service, the McCain Institute is fighting to secure democracy and alliances, defend human rights, protect the vulnerable and advance character-driven leadership, both at home and around the world.
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