WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, released the following statement Tuesday regarding the release of jailed Ukrainian fighter pilot and parliamentarian Nadiya Savchenko from prison in Russia. Cardin introduced S. Res. 52, which passed the Senate in 2015, condemning the Russian Government for its illegal imprisonment of Ms. Savchenko and calling for her immediate release:
“I welcome today’s release from prison in Russia of Nadiya Savchenko, the Ukrainian fighter pilot who had been held unjustly for nearly two years after being apprehended in Ukrainian territory and smuggled into Russia. Her strength has inspired many in Ukraine and around the world and this is a great day for her family, friends and supporters.
“Through Congressional action, high level meetings and the press, I have strived to be a staunch advocate for Nadiya’s release.
“I look forward to seeing Nadiya take her seat in the Ukrainian Rada, so that she can contribute to the rebuilding of Ukraine’s democratic institutions and its reform process.”
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