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Bipartisan Ukrainian Caucus Co-Chairs Statement on Escalation of Violence in Eastern Ukraine

February 2, 2017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 2, 2017
Bryan Shuy (Harris), 202-225-5311
Josh Stewart (Kaptur), 202-225-4146
Aaron Clark (Fitzpatrick), 202-225-4276
Emily Del Morone (Levin), 202-240-9855

Bipartisan Ukrainian Caucus Co-Chairs Statement on Escalation of Violence in Eastern Ukraine

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressional Ukrainian Caucus Co-Chairs, Reps. Andy Harris (R-MD), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), and Sander Levin (D-MI), today issued the following statement on the escalation of violence in Eastern Ukraine:

"We call on Russia-controlled separatists to immediately stop the violence in Eastern Ukraine, honor the ceasefire, and withdraw heavy weapons. We reaffirm our support for the Minsk accords, and stand in strong opposition to all efforts that would encourage military action against Ukraine.

"As Co-Chairs of the Congressional Ukrainian Caucus, we are deeply concerned with loss of life and the deteriorating humanitarian condition in Avdiivka, in eastern Ukraine, since heavy fighting broke out on January 28th. According to Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), at least eight people have died in the last three days, and 17,000 civilians, including 2,500 children, do not have access to water, electricity, or heat in below freezing temperatures. With each continued day of fighting, their condition becomes more dire.

"The United States must stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our European allies and with the Ukraine people, who have demonstrated time and again their will for a sovereign and democratic country, free from Russia's interference. We strongly urge Russian authorities to respect human life and abide by the ceasefire."