Russian forces rolled into the Donbas region of Ukraine on Wednesday, with President Joe Biden vowing “consequences” as Russian strongman Vladimir Putin launched attacks across the democratic eastern European nation. Here’s how Pennsylvania’s elected leaders reacted to the news. This post will be updated to fill in any blanks.
Gov. Tom Wolf:
I stand with @POTUS in condemning the unprovoked and unjustified Russian military invasion of the independent country of Ukraine.
This attack on a peaceful country is shocking.
I urge democratic leaders across the globe to unite and respond decisively to this unlawful attack.
— Governor Tom Wolf (@GovernorTomWolf) February 24, 2022
U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa.:
My statement on Russian President Putin’s invasion of Ukraine: pic.twitter.com/HrMojohKQ7
— Senator Bob Casey (@SenBobCasey) February 23, 2022
U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa.:
President Biden must immediately impose the strongest sanctions possible and Congress should pass the NYET Act to cripple Russia’s financial sector and make Putin regret his terrible decision.
— Senator Pat Toomey (@SenToomey) February 24, 2022
Lt. Gov. John Fetterman (Retweet of White House statement)
The prayers of the world are with the people of Ukraine tonight as they suffer an unprovoked and unjustified attack by Russian military forces. President Putin has chosen a premeditated war that will bring a catastrophic loss of life and human suffering. https://t.co/Q7eUJ0CG3k
— President Biden (@POTUS) February 24, 2022
U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-1st District:
It is critical for the US to impose immediate, crippling sanctions that strike at the heart of Putin’s corrupt regime & send a clear message about the consequences Russia will suffer for invading Ukraine’s sovereign territory. The world is watching & the time to act is now. (2/2)
— Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick 🇺🇸 (@RepBrianFitz) February 23, 2022
U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle, D-2nd District:
I stand firmly w/my Ukrainian constituents who currently have family & friends in 🇺🇦
As I return from Brussels from chairing an emergency NATO meeting, I can report that the U.S. & European allies stand united in opposition to Russia’s violation of Int’l law. #UnitedWithUkraine pic.twitter.com/n7N5pM0KlZ
— Rep. Brendan Boyle (@CongBoyle) February 23, 2022
U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans, D-3rd District:
Putin and those who enable him must pay a major price for his attacks on Ukraine. I support @POTUS Biden and our allies as they work to make that happen, and I stand with Ukrainian civilians who are going to be the most affected.
— Congressman Dwight Evans (@RepDwightEvans) February 24, 2022
U.S. Rep. Madeleine Dean, D-4th District:
My prayers are with the people of Ukraine as they face unprovoked and unjust attacks across their sovereign nation at the hands of a dictator.
Mr. Putin is responsible for the devastation and must be held accountable for bringing violence and instability to Europe and the world.
— Congresswoman Madeleine Dean (@RepDean) February 24, 2022
U.S. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon, D-5th District:
My prayers are with the Ukrainian people as this unjust attack on their nation unfolds. The world is with you. https://t.co/suhiACnttK
— Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (@RepMGS) February 24, 2022
U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, D-6th District:
ICYMI: U.S. must show “unity” with allies and domestically on Russia, says Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.)@RepHoulahan: “We need to show that we are unified here. Putin is stronger when he divides us and in many ways he is dividing us right now and that is when he wins.” pic.twitter.com/jkEszVi4w7
— Meet the Press (@MeetThePress) February 23, 2022
U.S. Rep. Susan Wild, D-7th District:
My thoughts are with the innocent people of Ukraine, including the Ukrainian-American community watching this unconscionable attack on their families and home unfold.
America stands with you and we stand for democracy.
— Rep. Susan Wild (@RepSusanWild) February 24, 2022
U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser, R-9th District:
Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, specifically this incursion into Donetsk and Luhansk, are because Putin senses weakness in the West.
We need to stand strong and not allow Russian aggression to go unchecked.
— Congressman Dan Meuser (@RepMeuser) February 23, 2022
U.S. Rep. Scott Perry, R-10th District:
As we pray for the Ukrainian people, make no mistake: THIS is what happens when America’s enemies see a weak and incompetent @POTUS. #Ukraine #BidenIsAFailure
— RepScottPerry (@RepScottPerry) February 24, 2022
U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker, R-11th District:
🚨🚨🚨MUST READ🚨🚨🚨
House Republican Leadership’s Statement on Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine: pic.twitter.com/T3MiOEAqAt
— House Republicans (@HouseGOP) February 22, 2022
U.S. Rep. Fred Keller, R-12th District:
If Biden is serious about lowering energy costs & diminishing Russia’s power, he must expedite approval of U.S. energy infrastructure, including pipelines & liquified natural gas export facilities, & allow the U.S. to be the lowest-cost provider of clean energy at home & abroad.
— Congressman Fred Keller (@RepFredKeller) February 24, 2022
U.S. Rep. John Joyce, R-13th District:
My statement on the Russian invasion of Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/YbIu7A40YI
— John Joyce, M.D. (@RepJohnJoyce) February 22, 2022
U.S. Rep. Guy Reschenthaler, R-14th District:
President Biden’s weakness on the world stage has emboldened our enemies.
China, Iran, and North Korea are watching.
— House Republicans (@HouseGOP) February 23, 2022
U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly, R-16th District:
Russia’s unprovoked and unnecessary attack against Ukraine poses a threat to freedom in Europe and to America’s NATO allies in the region.
My full statement⬇️ pic.twitter.com/4VfA9vlmRR
— Rep. Mike Kelly (@MikeKellyPA) February 24, 2022
U.S. Rep. Conor Lamb, D-17th District (via his campaign Twitter):
While the world unites against Russia’s violent, illegal invasion of Ukraine, Trump still takes Putin’s side every single chance he gets.
This man can never be anywhere near our government again. We have something to say about that in PA in November. #PASen https://t.co/eiXMfV7iD3
— Conor Lamb (@ConorLambPA) February 23, 2022
U.S. Rep. Mike Doyle, D-18th District:
#VladimirPutin is an authoritarian thug who creates chaos & disinformation to maintain his power. I stand w @Ukraine, support its right to sovereignty, and reject @Russia‘s violent aggression. @POTUS‘s sanctions yesterday are the first steps to hold @KremlinRussia_E accountable. pic.twitter.com/ZSwOWlywo0
— Mike Doyle (@USRepMikeDoyle) February 22, 2022