DeLauro Statement on Recent Events in Ukraine

NEW HAVEN, CT—Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) released the following statement today on yesterday’s referendum in Crimea and President Obama’s announcement of sanctions. The United States--and many other nations--have called this referendum, on whether to separate from Ukraine and join the Russian Federation, illegal.

"The illegal referendum for Crimean separation represents an unwarranted further escalation of the crisis in Ukraine by Russia, and there must be a clear response from the United States, the European Union and the international community. I applaud the Administration for the sanctions it announced today and for its efforts to support the people of Ukraine while applying pressure on Russia to change its course. I was pleased to support legislation supporting the democratic aspirations of the people of Ukraine, providing assistance to Ukraine and condemning the violation of Ukrainian sovereignty by Russia's military forces.”

DeLauro has cast multiple votes in support of the Ukrainian people this year, and co-sponsored H.Res. 447, which supports the democratic and European aspirations of the people of Ukraine, and their right to choose their own future free of intimidation and fear. She also met recently with members of Connecticut’s Ukrainian community in New Haven.