Jim Costa: “A year ago, President Putin launched an unlawful invasion of the people of Ukraine, and it has changed the world, a war…”

“A year ago, President Putin launched an unlawful invasion of the people of Ukraine, and it has changed the world, a war that has led to nothing but destruction and human atrocities. I have seen these atrocities firsthand when I traveled to Ukraine last September--the bombing of homes, of hospitals, of schools; the impacts on innocent women and children; the deportation of families; and the atrocities go on and on. President Putin is a war criminal. I am proud that he has sanctioned me and many of my colleagues for our support of Ukraine and for standing up for their democracy. They are standing up for our democracy, as well. Putin thought he could divide us and Ukraine would immediately fall. He was wrong, wrong, and wrong. The Western world is united as one because freedom and democracy are worth fighting for, and that is what this is all about. We need to continue to provide financial support to Ukraine, including fighters, tanks, ATACMS, HIMARS, what it takes for them to win this war because there is no other option. This is the test of our time, and we must rise to meet that test at this time. ____________________”