Hoyer Statement on Additional Sanctions Against Russia

WASHINGTON, DC - House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today on new sanctions the U.S. and European Union are imposing against Russia:

“By announcing new sanctions against Russia today, the United States and our European partners are making it abundantly clear to President Putin that his support for Ukrainian separatists, Russian forces’ incursion into Ukrainian territory, and Russia’s continued illegal occupation of Crimea will not go unanswered.  As long as he continues to pursue his policy of aggression against Ukraine, sanctions will continue to erode confidence in the Russian economy and deter much-needed investment.  Today’s sanctions will hit Russia where it hurts by targeting its energy, finance, and defense sectors.

“The people of Ukraine courageously stood up against Russian interference and struck a blow against the opponents of democracy earlier this year, and the American people will continue to offer them our support and solidarity as they build and strengthen their democratic institutions and seek to grow closer to Europe.  With a cease-fire agreement now in place in eastern Ukraine, it is imperative that Russia cease its interference in Ukraine’s sovereign affairs and allow a peaceful process to move forward by which all Ukrainians have the opportunity to participate in their democracy and choose their nation’s path forward.”