Washington, D.C. – Rep. Eliot L. Engel, the senior Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement regarding recent Russian military provocations against Ukraine.

“Russian military activities in Crimea and the decision today of the Russian Senate to authorize the use of force in Ukraine without the permission of Ukrainian authorities are acts of aggression that violate Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The United States should work with our European partners to make clear that the violation of Ukraine's sovereignty is unacceptable and ensure that Russia withdraws its troops without delay and refrains from further aggressive actions against Ukraine.

“At this moment, the international community should support Ukraine's interim government in its efforts to restore order and return Ukraine to political and economic health. The United States and our allies must be ready to help, which is why I support a robust international economic assistance package and the Administration's proposal to provide U.S. loan guarantees and other assistance to Ukraine. Today, Ukraine faces formidable challenges, but its people should know that the United States stands with them.”