Jim Costa: “As Vladimir Putin attempts to drape the Iron Curtain over Russia once again, I stress the importance of working together…”

“As Vladimir Putin attempts to drape the Iron Curtain over Russia once again, I stress the importance of working together with our European allies to support Ukraine's sovereignty and democracies around the world. Make no mistake about it: This is the test of our time. As the co-chair of the Transatlantic Legislators' Dialogue, I work closely with my European Co-Chair Radoslaw ``Radek'' Sikorski. Congress and the European Parliament have taken steps to deal with this pariah Putin. Congress passed $13.6 billion last week for Ukraine, which provides support for humanitarian aid, military assistance, and economic resolve. American allies, such as Poland and other European countries, are doing a great deal to deal with the refugee problem. President Biden separately provided an additional $800 million for Stinger missiles and other anti-aircraft, anti-armor weapons to help the valiant, brave Ukrainians. Members of the European Parliament have also done their part with another $500 million in assistance. NATO, today, is stronger than at any time since the Cold War. But there is much more work ahead of us. We must continue to unite the front against Vladimir Putin with our European allies. As President Zelenskyy reminded us: The cost of freedom is not free. ____________________”