Statement from Congresswoman Jacobs on Russian Invasion of Ukraine
San Diego, CA - Congresswoman Sara Jacobs (D-CA-53) releases the following statement on the Russian invasion of Ukraine:
“I condemn President Putin’s unjustified attack on Ukraine that will have devastating and deadly consequences for the Ukrainian people and widespread consequences for the European continent. I stand with the Ukrainian people who woke up to Putin’s declaration of war, to explosions rocking their cities, and to a new and horrifying reality for the future.
“When I visited Ukraine with my colleagues last month, it was clear that the United States Congress and the Biden Administration – along with our NATO allies and partners – are united in our strong support for the Ukrainian people.
“As a Representative of a proud military community, my constituents understand better than most the devastating consequences of war. I am grateful that President Biden and Secretary Blinken have prioritized diplomacy and offered Putin every opportunity to take another path. It is shameful that Putin was unwilling to seriously engage and find a diplomatic solution.
“But diplomacy does not stop when the shooting starts. In fact, that is when it is more important than ever. We have to continue to keep diplomatic channels open and look for opportunities for de-escalation and an end to human suffering.
“In my experience working on conflict around the world, I know that diplomacy works best when paired with clear costs and consequences. That’s why it's important that the United States and our European partners hold Putin and his government accountable, while providing clear conditions and off-ramps, and mitigating the costs for everyday people – Ukrainian, Russian, European, and American – who had nothing to do with this decision.
“The United States and our European partners must also prepare to welcome Ukrainians fleeing war and persecution. I urge President Biden to raise the refugee cap and allow in as many Ukrainian refugees as possible, and work with our European partners to ensure they are prepared to do the same.”
Jacobs is a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Armed Services Committee. In late January, she traveled to Kyiv, Ukraine, as part of an official bipartisan Congressional delegation led by Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Gregory Meeks.
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