Tom Kean Jr: It's essential we continue to support Ukraine. Here's why | Opinion

Opinion by Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-7)

Thirteen months ago, Russia invaded the sovereign country of Ukraine in a flagrant and unprovoked act of war. Many thought that Russian forces would occupy the country in a matter of weeks; yet, Ukraine managed to survive. Over the next several months, Ukrainian forces, with the support of partner nations from across the world, including the United States, repeatedly defeated Russian forces on the battlefield and pushed them back in northern, eastern and southern Ukraine. These inspiring victories have come at a heavy cost as thousands of Ukrainians soldiers have given their lives defending their democracy, sovereignty and freedom. Countless more Ukrainian civilians have also been killed, wounded, raped and tortured by Russian forces over the course of this war. But, Ukraine fights on. The Ukrainian people have proven their unbreakable spirit and fierce perseverance in defense of their nation.

This month, I led a bipartisan group of my colleagues in introducing a resolution in the House of Representatives recognizing the sovereignty of Ukraine and the unbreakable spirit of the Ukrainian people. Our resolution also reaffirms America’s firm support for continued U.S. assistance to Ukraine and calls attention to Europe’s increased support, a trend that must continue.

We introduced this resolution to show the world that the American people and the United States Congress continue to stand in strong support of the people of Ukraine as they defend themselves from Putin’s brutal and unprovoked invasion. It is important that the Ukrainian people know that they are not in this fight alone and that the freedom-loving countries of the world will not allow Putin to succeed. As the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Europe of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I am committed to our country’s continued support to Ukraine, making it clear to our allies and adversaries alike that the United States will stand against unprovoked wars of aggression by authoritarian powers.