New York – Rep. Eliot L. Engel, the senior Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement regarding the recent escalation of violence in Ukraine.

“I condemn in the strongest possible terms the shocking escalation of violence in Kyiv and the reported deaths of nine people. I call on all sides to exercise restraint and to take immediate measures to deescalate tensions. While the protestors must take responsibility for their own actions, the government once again bears the majority of the responsibility for the most recent escalation.

“The Ukrainian people have continuously expressed their dissatisfaction with the draconian measures taken against them by the Yanukovych government, as well its resistance to pursuing a European future. I urge the government to consider seriously the requests of the protestors and to work with them to find a peaceful political solution to this months old conflict. Both sides must also hold accountable those who facilitate and perpetrate violence. It is also important to reiterate United States support for the people of Ukraine as they work towards a more democratic and European future.”

On February 10, 2014, the House of Representatives passed H.Res. 447, “Supporting the Democratic and European Aspirations of the People of Ukraine, and Their Right to Choose Their Own Future Free of Intimidation and Fear.”