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Quigley Statement on Russia’s Illegal Annexation of Ukrainian Territory

September 30, 2022

Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05), Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, released the following statement in response to Russia's sham referendum in occupied Ukraine and the annexation of Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson:

"The first, fundamental lie Vladimir Putin told about his invasion was that Ukrainians would welcome Russia. That lie was immediately and repeatedly disproven through the overwhelming Ukrainian opposition to the invasion—by the men and women who stood in line to enlist, the average citizens defending their homes, and by every Ukrainian who has refused to give way in the face of the invading forces.

"Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson are and always will be part of Ukraine.

"I have long called for Ukraine's admission to NATO and in the wake of this latest illegal annexation of Ukrainian territory, NATO should accept Ukraine's request for accelerated accession. The principles Ukraine has fought for are the very principles NATO was founded to defend.

"I am proud that Congress passed an additional supplemental today to show Putin that Congressional support for Ukraine will not waiver. We cannot and will not stop standing with Ukraine until every inch of Ukrainian territory is freed from occupying forces."

Earlier today, Quigley spoke at a press conference alongside members of the Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada, the Ukrainian parliament. Together, the Ukrainians and members of the Congressional Ukrainian Caucus reiterated their joint dedication to fighting against the Russian invasion.

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