Russia called out for actions in Ukraine by Rep Andy Harris, Maryland US senators

As the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine passes its two-year point, members of the Maryland congressional delegation, representing both political parties, are calling out the conflict for what it is: unprovoked and illegal.

“It’s been two years since Vladimir Putin launched his unprovoked and ruthless attacks on the people of Ukraine,” said United States Sen. Chris Van Hollen, a Democrat, in a press release on Feb. 23, the eve of the second full year since the start of the invasion authorized by Russian President Putin. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky indicated earlier this week that 31,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed since the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022.

Co-chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus U.S. Rep. Andy Harris, R-1^st, called the invasion “brutal and illegal” in a Feb. 23 statement released alongside the caucus’ congressional resolution commemorating the “heroic sacrifices of the Ukrainian people.”

More: From Ukraine to Maryland's Eastern Shore, this SU professor observes elections up close

Harris’ mother, born in Poland (near present day Ukraine), fled communism in Eastern Europe after World War II. Her son, now one of four co-chairs of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, introduced the resolution alongside 34 other caucus members, including Maryland’s Kweisi Mfume, D-7th, to, in Harris’ words, “commemorate Ukraine as she stands against the continued, unprovoked and illegal Russian aggression.”

The message came days before the United States president summoned congressional leaders to the White House on Feb. 27 to discuss, among other things, funding aid for Ukraine.

GOP field shrinks in Senate race: GOP field in Maryland US Senate race shrinks as contender withdraws, endorses Larry Hogan

The world is watching us

Maryland’s senior U.S. senator, Ben Cardin, a Democrat, also called the Russian actions “illegal” in a Feb. 23 statement. Cardin, who is not seeking reelection, holds a key role as chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee after being elevated to the position last September.

He pointed to the “global coalition” supporting Ukraine with military aid, humanitarian assistance and economic support.

“With the backing of 50 nations, including (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) allies and the G7, efforts are underway to hold Putin’s Russia accountable for its aggression and ensure Ukraine’s sovereignty is upheld,” Cardin’s statement said. “The United States is implementing new measures to counter Russia’s actions, including its illegal war on Ukraine and its ongoing internal crackdown on political dissent.”

Moore's State of State address: 'The state of our state is strong': Gov. Moore delivers second State of the State address

Investigative reporting done by 60 Minutes, which aired last September, showed how American money to support the Ukrainians is being spent (and tracked).

This month, after the Senate passed bipartisan legislation, including funds to support Ukraine, Cardin said the opposite chamber faces a “pivotal decision” in his Feb. 23 statement.

“Bolster America’s commitment to defending Ukraine,” he said, “or risk soaring costs to maintain international order.”

Cardin’s Maryland U.S. Senate counterpart Van Hollen closed his Feb. 23 statement similarly.

“The world is watching us,” he said. “We must meet this critical moment in history.”

Dwight A. Weingarten is an investigative reporter, covering the Maryland State House and state issues. He can be reached at dweingarten@gannett.com or on Twitter at @DwightWeingart2.

This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: Russian war in Ukraine draws condemnation of Maryland senators, reps.