JERSEY CITY, N.J. – U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today released the below statement marking both Ukrainian Independence Day and six months since Vladimir Putin launched his illegal and unprovoked war on Ukraine:
“The people of Ukraine have gone to unimaginable lengths in the last six months to resist Putin’s brutal attempt to extinguish their democracy, their culture, and their very existence as an independent nation. Each day since this unprovoked invasion started, Ukrainians have inspired and united the free world as they have surpassed every expectation, defending their nation and demonstrating exceptional bravery, fortitude, and resilience.
“As the majority of Europe – and indeed the entire free world – are now more united in support of not just Ukraine but of our collective resolve to support democracies, the rule of law, and defend against brazen authoritarian aggression, President Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian people deserve all the credit for having shattered the image of Putin’s power in the eyes of the international community. On their 31st Independence Day, I join millions worldwide in celebrating the people of Ukraine and mourning the thousands of lives lost to Putin’s vicious war. As they press on toward victory, we affirm that the United States’ commitment to Ukraine remains ironclad. Slava Ukraini!”
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