Rep. Sara Jacobs Statement on 1 Year Anniversary of Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine
In recognition of the one-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Congresswoman Sara Jacobs (CA-51) released the following statement:
“Over the past year, Russia has blatantly defied the rules-based international order – violating sovereignty, waging an unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression, and targeting civilians and their infrastructure. On top of that, the consequences of Russia’s invasion have reached far beyond Ukraine, worsening the threat of hunger and starvation around the world, particularly in the Horn of Africa, the Middle East, and South America.
“In response, the Biden Administration has been masterful in bringing together the international community to address Russia’s egregious actions and mitigate the far-reaching consequences of the war. A year into this conflict, it’s clear that Ukraine and the West are still united.
“I was incredibly grateful to visit Ukraine before Russia’s invasion and again at the end of last year, and see firsthand the resilience, strength, and heart of the Ukrainian people and their fight for freedom. I will continue to push for providing U.S. assistance to Ukraine especially as Russia begins its spring offensive. We must also remain committed to the fight for a free, democratic, and open Ukraine through investing in reconstruction, and ensuring justice and accountability for Russia’s atrocities.”
Prior to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Congresswoman Sara Jacobs traveled to Ukraine in January of 2022 as part of an official congressional delegation led by House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Gregory Meeks. The delegation met with President Zelenskyy and senior Ukrainian officials to discuss the escalating security situation and reaffirm U.S. support of Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity. In December of 2022, Congresswoman Jacobs again visited Ukraine as part of an official congressional delegation led by Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-07). Congresswoman Jacobs and her colleagues met with embassy and defense officials to discuss military intelligence, special operations, and the importance of U.S. support of Ukraine’s efforts.
Last Congress, Congresswoman Sara Jacobs and Congresswoman Victoria Spartz (IN-05) introduced the Investigate Russian War Crimes Act, bipartisan legislation to allow the United States to provide material support or funding to the International Criminal Court (ICC) for their investigation of Russian war crimes and atrocities in Ukraine. Last year, part of this legislation passed into law through the FY2023 Omnibus Appropriations bill. The House and Senate also passed Congresswoman Jacobs’ resolution (H.Res. 922) last Congress condemning the use of hunger as a weapon of war and recognizing the effect of conflict on global food security and famine. Russia’s war in Ukraine has left one in three Ukrainian families without enough food – and millions around the world hungry and suffering.
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