Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement regarding developments in Ukraine and a Congressional response:
“Russia's military intervention in Ukraine constitutes a clear violation of international law and demands a swift and coordinated response from the international community to support the Ukraine and counter Russian efforts to annex Ukrainian territory by force.
“The Senate Foreign Relations Committee is developing a bipartisan legislative package to provide critical support to Ukraine, which is teetering on the brink of economic collapse following years of chronic government mismanagement and corruption. This legislation will authorize funds to provide at least $1 billion in loan guarantees to provide structural support to Ukraine's economy, as well as authorize technical assistance for energy reforms, support elections, strengthen civil society, combat corruption, and assist Ukraine in the recovery of stolen assets.
“We are also consulting with the Administration on possible sanctions actions against individual Russians and Ukrainians that range from visa bans and asset freezes, to the suspension of military cooperation and sales, as well as economic sanctions.
“On Thursday, Deputy Secretary of State Bill Burns will testify before the Committee and is expected to provide an assessment of the situation in Ukraine.“
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