Political Quotes

“this is a pivotal week for the security of Ukraine. Talks are ongoing to test whether the Kremlin wants to engage in diplomacy or is intent on war, to see if the United States and our allies can pull Putin back from the brink. And if the headlines are any indication this morning, it is clear that this is an open question. This is a critical time. There still may be a window to deter the Kremlin from deciding to invade. But we must be clear and united about what awaits Russia if it chooses the unwise path. We must send an unequivocal message: that, should Putin invade, the consequences would be devastating; that there would be steep costs to the economy and to the people of Russia if he further tramples on Ukraine's territory and independence. That message should be sent through every channel, at every level, including by this body. And we have a chance to do just that. The Defending Ukraine Sovereignty Act, which has in just 2 short days 39 cosponsors already, is a comprehensive response to the threat facing Ukraine. It would impose massive, crippling sanctions on multiple sectors of Russia's economy. It would impose the harshest sanctions on Putin and senior Kremlin officials themselves. It would effectively cut Russia off from the international financial system. That is the sanction that I helped devise that ultimately brought Iran, years ago, to the negotiating table.…”