Hudson Releases Statement on Ukraine

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Richard Hudson (R-NC), Chairman of the Committee on Political Affairs and Security of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA), released the following statement on Ukraine:

"The United States and the world will not tolerate Russia attacking Ukraine. Any movement of Russian troops on Ukrainian soil will be viewed as a violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and Russia’s commitment under the principles of the Helsinki Final Act. 

"I am encouraged the White House has clarified President Biden’s resolve after his somewhat confusing remarks yesterday. I also applaud the State Department’s approval of the third-party transfer of lethal aid to Ukraine. However, the U.S. should begin providing direct lethal aid to Ukraine immediately. I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress and through the OSCE PA to make it clear to Putin that we will not accept further Russian aggression.

"The 2018 Berlin Declaration of the OSCE PA included my amendment to condemn the Nord Stream II project. I have also sponsored Congressional legislation to oppose Nord Stream II and provide Ukraine with increased military and diplomatic support. We must remain resolved that any attacks on Ukraine by Russia are unacceptable and will be met with severe consequences."

Background

Rep. Hudson has served as a U.S. Representative on the international Helsinki Commission since 2015 and as Chairman of the OSCE PA Committee on Political Affairs and Security since 2020. The Helsinki Commission was formed following passage of the Helsinki Final Act, an agreement signed by 35 nations that concluded the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe held in Helsinki, Finland. In May, Rep. Hudson sponsored a resolution opposing Russia's Nord Stream II pipeline. This built on efforts by Rep. Hudson to secure an amendment opposing the pipeline adopted in 2018 by the OSCE PA in what was called the Berlin Document.

###