Moved by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's recent address to Congress, California Rep. Ken Calvert (R-Corona) and many others are showing their willingness to further fuel Ukraine's defense against the Russian invasion.
Calvert joined the chorus of voices expressing appreciation and support for Zelenskyy following his Dec. 21 address and stressing the importance of Ukraine’s security to global peace.
“After months of fighting, the world has witnessed the resolve of the Ukrainian people, we’ve been moved by their bravery, and many skeptics have been proven wrong about their ability to put up a fight against the once mighty Russian military,” Calvert said in a news release. “While the heroic resistance to the invading Russian forces is aimed at liberating Ukraine, we should bear in mind that in reality this fight is the frontline of defending liberty and democracy for greater Europe.”
Zelenskyy’s address to Congress inspired some powerful responses, according to Politico. His speech was followed by a standing ovation, as well as the display of the Ukrainian colors by several members of the Legislature.
“I thank every American family,” Zelenskyy said. “Your money is not charity. It’s an investment in the global security and democracy that we handle in the most responsible way.”
Following the speech, President Joe Biden commented on the unprecedented unity of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) as well as the European Union (EU), according to a news release from the White House.
“I’ve never seen NATO or EU more united about anything at all,” he said. “Putin ... produced a more united Europe, with Sweden and Finland joining. So I don’t see any reason to believe there will be any lessening of support.”
The day after the speech, the U.S. State Department reported on the imposition of new naval sanctions on Russia, according to a news release from the department.
“The United States remains determined to use all appropriate measures to deter Russia’s attacks on Ukraine – whether those attacks be from the air, land or sea,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken said. “These accountability measures underscore a simple message: The Kremlin must end its brutal campaign against Ukraine.”