Saxby Chambliss: “I rise to talk about the deteriorating situation in Syria and in Iraq. However, before I address the situation in the…”

“I rise to talk about the deteriorating situation in Syria and in Iraq. However, before I address the situation in the Middle East, I wish to speak briefly about Russia and the downing of the Malaysian Airline flight 17. Last week we all watched in horror as news came in of the almost 300 civilians who were callously murdered. I have seen the intelligence on this attack, and it is very clear Russia bears the responsibility for the death of these civilians. Vladimir Putin should be held accountable, regardless of whether it was a Russian soldier or a Russian-sponsored separatist who pulled the trigger. Russia either shot down the plane itself or directly gave separatists the order and the ability to do so. Russia and its proxy separatists in eastern Ukraine are well armed, as was clearly demonstrated last week, and they are also very irresponsible. President Putin continues to flout the international community by sending heavy weapons and fighters into eastern Ukraine. In addition, Russia is supporting Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria and failing to comply with some of its international arms control obligations. The limited sanctions put in place so far have done little to deter Putin.…”