Ukraine

Friends -

I wanted to share with you a statement that I made last night:

As you know, invading Russian military forces are moving across Ukraine. What we are witnessing is the most massive military operation in Europe since World War II.

There must be no ambiguity in acknowledging that what the whole world is seeing is nothing less than a blatant violation of international law and of basic human decency.

This war will likely kill thousands of people, and create millions of refugees.

At a time when the global community is already struggling with the global pandemic and climate change, this war could plunge Europe into long-term economic and political instability.

Make no mistake about it, the effects of this war will be felt here in the United States and countries throughout the world.

No matter what flimsy justification Putin may offer, this war is clearly an act of premeditated aggression against Ukraine and its people.

So where do we go from here?

Now is the time to maintain unity with our allies and impose severe sanctions on Vladimir Putin and his government.

Now is the time to isolate the Russian economy and freeze access to the billions of dollars that Putin and his oligarch cronies have stashed in European and American banks — the billions they have stolen from the people of Russia.

Now is the time to stand in solidarity with the incredibly brave Russian people who are bravely resisting this aggression by holding huge anti-war protests in 40 different Russian cities. In an authoritarian country like Russia, protest is an extraordinary act of courage.

In the midst of all this horror, one area that American leadership can be very helpful, is in providing aid for those refugees fleeing war.

Now is the time to work closely with our international partners in providing humanitarian relief for the Ukrainian people, and we must also commit to accepting more refugees here in our own country.

Many of you are no doubt wondering what you can do to help to end this terrible conflict.

In my view, the most important thing we can do right now is stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian people against this war, and with the Russian people who are risking so much to demonstrate against this corrupt, reckless president who started it.

Putin and his oligarch friends seek a divided world and the destruction of democracy.

We seek a different world.

At the end of the day, it will be that common humanity based on the principles of justice that brings us together and enables us to prevail.

In solidarity,

Bernie Sanders