Hello Neighbors and Friends
On Monday, I returned from meeting with President Zelensky in Kyiv and wanted to let you know personally how impacted I was by the destruction that is taking place in Ukraine and how deeply inspired I am by the strength of the Ukrainian people. I saw the effects of Putin’s war crimes firsthand, from his targeting of maternity hospitals to the discovery of mass graves and human trafficking. It could not be clearer: the world needs to be there and stand with the Ukrainian people. That’s the message we delivered directly to President Zelensky.
Pelosi. This was an important moment for global leadership and we reaffirmed that the U.S. will continue to provide humanitarian, economic and security assistance until this war is over. We will not abandon the Ukrainian people during this devastating time.
Let me be clear: for decades, I have been a strong part of the peace movement. I have spent my life trying to avoid senseless wars and U.S. military intervention—whether in Central America, Iraq or Afghanistan. I do not want this conflict to become another excuse to send more blank checks to the Pentagon or to pad the pockets of defense contractors. But this is Putin’s war and his war alone. He can end it today if he wants to. Instead, he has chosen not to negotiate and to continue to inflict pain on innocent people.
Putin doesn’t care if he creates a global food crisis. Ukraine is considered one of the breadbaskets of the world because it exports wheat, maize, sunflower oil and many other products. It provides important food to relief organizations like the World Food Program. Putin’s deliberate targeting of food supplies has resulted in rising prices, and that in turn means that hunger is on the rise.
Through my position as Chair of the Rules Committee, I will do my part to move legislation swiftly to the House floor that will support the Ukrainian people. This is not just a war on Ukraine or democracy, but a war on the most vulnerable around the world. I will not shy away from standing up and calling out Putin and his corrupt regime for their war crimes. What’s happening in Ukraine seems unimaginable but I believe strongly there is good and evil in world. And I believe that good will always triumph over evil.
Please do no hesitate to contact my office if you have any questions or concerns on this issue or another. Stay safe and healthy.
Sincerely,
James P. McGovern
Member of Congress