Pascrell Condemns Russian Troop Buildup

Endorses Biden’s tough response and solidarity with Ukrainian people

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09) today reiterated his opposition to the Russian Federation’s illegal annexation of Crimea and massing of nearly 100,000 troops near Ukraine.

“Vladimir Putin’s continued violence against Ukraine and the Ukrainian people should inspire the denunciation of the entire civilized world,” said Rep. Pascrell, one of Congress’s strongest supporters of Ukraine. “In a return to standing up for our allies and democracies, we should be heartened that President Biden directly told Mr. Putin today to cease and desist. I one-hundred percent endorse President Biden’s threat to impose powerful punishment against Putin’s inner circle if Russia does not deescalate its forces at the Ukraine border. Ukraine must have the tools needed to stand against Putin’s autocratic bullying. Ukraine should be allowed to exist independently and free of endless Russian meddling.”

Rep. Pascrell has long been a vocal opponent of Vladimir Putin’s violations of peace and stability in Ukraine. After Russian troops first violated Ukraine’s sovereignty in March 2014, Pascrell called for Russia’s removal as a member of the G-8 and demanded immediate withdrawal of all Russian forces. He has also taken several steps to ensure U.S. support for our Ukrainian allies in the face of Russian aggression led by Putin. Pascrell has maintained a close relationship with the large Ukrainian-American communities in northern New Jersey.