Wilson Condemns Putin Invasion of Ukraine

Washington, D.C. – Statement by Congressman Joe Wilson, Delegation Ranking Member, Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.

"The murderous invasion of Ukraine by the megalomaniac Putin is another desperate attempt by Putin to further enrich himself and his cronies. In addition to the losses suffered by the Ukrainian people at the hands of Putin, the people of Russia continue to lose under the rule of this authoritarian kleptocrat. Before this invasion began, we must not forget that 14,000 Ukrainians had already been killed by Putin's forces during the occupation of Crimea.

"I am grateful to have visited Kyiv in December and to have hosted Ukrainians in Washington, where I continue to be inspired by their passion for independence.

"This invasion has no place in the modern world. In the nuclear age with adversaries such as Putin, the CCP, and very soon Iran, America must unite democracies as we build defenses to prevail with peace through strength. I am grateful President Biden has continued Donald Trump's courageous policy of providing weapons to Ukraine, and I encourage other NATO countries to do the same.

"The assets of Russian oligarchs worldwide should be seized as ill-gotten gains stolen from the Russian people with the proceeds sent to the families of dead Russians and murdered Ukrainians.

"It will be clear with effective economic sanctions on the abusing elites that despots are victimizing the extraordinary people of Russia, China, and Iran.

"Russian troops are needlessly dying for Russian billionaires to increase their wealth and power.

"God Bless Ukraine. God Save Ukraine."