Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, will serve on the Escort Committee to welcome the President of Ukraine, Petro Poroshenko, to address a Joint Session of Congress.  Chairman Royce issued the following statement on President Poroshenko’s official visit to the United States:
 
“President Poroshenko’s historic address to a joint session of Congress is a clear reaffirmation of the determination of the United States and Ukraine to oppose Russian aggression and secure Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.  Russia and the separatist forces it controls have repeatedly violated the current cease-fire and threaten to reignite the conflict in eastern Ukraine.  Russian President Vladimir Putin can end this tragedy by quickly withdrawing Russian military forces from Ukraine and instructing the separatists to lay down their weapons.  The U.S., its allies, and other nations around the world must work together to pressure Putin to restore peace and ensure that aggression is never rewarded.”
 
Note: Yesterday, on the House floor, Chairman Royce spoke in support of H. Res. 726, which supports the right of the people of Ukraine to freely determine their future, including their country’s relationship with other nations and international organizations, without interference, intimidation, or coercion by other countries.  Video of the Chairman’s floor remarks is available HERE.

###