Hoyer Statement on Extension of Sanctions Against Russia

WASHINGTON, DC – Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today on the extension of European sanctions against Russia:

“As long as Russia continues its illegal occupation of Crimea and its support for violent separatists in Eastern Ukraine, it will face punitive sanctions from the United States and Europe.  The extension of European sanctions today for another six months ought to remind President Putin that he cannot simply wait out the status quo: the international community will not eventually acquiesce to Russian actions that undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty and threaten regional and global stability.  We will remain steadfast in confronting Russia until it withdraws from Crimea and ends its financial and material support for the rebels, who are terrorizing the Donbass region of Ukraine and preventing Ukrainians from pursuing the peaceful and democratic future they deserve.  The United States will continue to stand with the elected government in Kiev as it confronts the threat from Russia and its proxies.”