Himes Issues Letter About War on Ukraine

US Congressman Jim Himes has written to his constituents to remind them of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the need to support the country’s efforts to defend its sovereignty. In the letter, Himes describes the “morally reprehensible” actions of Russian forces in Ukraine, which have resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of people and the displacement of millions more.

Despite this, the Ukrainian people have shown “hope, determination, and strength” in the face of the Russian invasion, with support from friends and allies around the world. Himes highlights the recent visits of Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden to Ukraine, which he says demonstrate the US’s continued commitment to supporting the country’s fight against Russian aggression.

Himes also emphasizes the need to remember the “human cost” of the war in Ukraine, and the heroism of ordinary citizens who have answered the call to defend their country. He underscores the US’s “unwavering bicameral, bipartisan support” for Ukraine, and the efforts to work with allies to provide both financial and military aid, as well as humanitarian assistance.

The letter concludes by stressing that the fight for democracy, peace, and the rule of law in Ukraine is a fight that all Americans should be invested in. “Standing arm in arm with our Ukrainian brothers and sisters, we will prevail,” Himes writes.

This is his letter in full as it was emailed:

News from Representative Himes

Dear Friends,

One year ago, Vladimir Putin began an unprovoked and illegal invasion of Ukraine. Since then, Russian forces have sown bloodshed throughout the country, murdering Ukrainian children in schools, infants in hospitals, and families in homes. Russia’s attack on the people of Ukraine is morally reprehensible, and its attack on Ukraine’s sovereignty is an affront to democratic values and freedom everywhere.

Despite tens of thousands dead and millions more displaced, the Ukrainian people have persevered with hope, determination, and strength. Friends and allies across the globe have stepped up to contribute defense and humanitarian aid, just as we have. And Kyiv is still standing strong.

Merely preventing Russia from winning the war, however, is insufficient. We must give Ukraine the resources to not only stall, but to prevail. Last weekend, at the Munich Security Conference, I met with leaders deeply committed to ensuring Ukrainian victory. I heard Vice President Kamala Harris reassure a global audience that U.S. support remains as strong as ever. And two days later, President Biden traveled to Kyiv to meet with President Zelenskyy himself and discuss how to expel Russia from Ukraine and bring this conflict to an end.

One year later, we must not forget the human cost of this war. The Ukrainian people have suffered incomprehensible loss and shown tremendous courage in the face of Putin’s authoritarian assault on their home. Last fall, I had the distinct honor of leading a bipartisan delegation to Ukraine to meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, where I was struck by the heroism of ordinary citizens who answered their leader’s call to defend themselves, their families, and their country. Our delegation underscored our unwavering bicameral, bipartisan support for Ukraine, and our continued efforts to work in tandem with our closest allies to cripple Russia financially while supplying crucial weaponry to Ukrainian forces and supporting the nearly 17.6 million Ukrainians in continued need of humanitarian assistance.

The spirit of Ukraine is steadfast and resilient. As Americans, we live by the values of democracy, peace, and the rule of law. Ukraine’s fight for these values is our fight. Standing arm in arm with our Ukrainian brothers and sisters, we will prevail.

If you have questions about our ongoing support of Ukraine or any other issues, please do not hesitate to contact my office at (202) 225-5541.

Sincerely,

Jim