Congressman Cohen’s Statement on Support for Ukraine
Says he is “appalled at the conduct” of President Trump
MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9), the House Ranking Member on the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, also known as the Helsinki Commission, made the following statement on his support for Ukraine as the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly prepares to meet in Vienna:
“As the House Ranking Member of the Helsinki Commission, the U.S. delegation to the Organization on Security and Cooperation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA), which is convening this weekend in Vienna for its Annual Meeting, I have strongly supported Ukraine as a free and democratic country since Russia invaded on February 24, 2022.
“As Hannah Arendt would say, it is ‘preposterous’ to suggest Ukraine started this war. By parroting this and other Russian propaganda, President Trump is betraying and abandoning President Zelensky who is fighting on behalf of the entire free world. Despite enduring military and civilian casualties, continued bombings and war crimes including child abductions, the people of Ukraine have maintained pride in their country and love for democracy by fighting on.
“I am appalled by the conduct of President Trump who ordered U.S.-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia that not only excluded our European allies but excluded Ukraine itself. If this war is to come to a successful conclusion, Ukraine and all our NATO allies need to be at the negotiating table. We cannot discuss the future of Ukraine without Ukraine. There must be security assurances and mechanisms strong enough to enforce peace by deterring Putin from starting any new wars.
“I advise President Trump not to believe Putin so readily. Putin has a terrible track record for telling the truth including saying he wouldn’t invade Ukraine days before doing it and refusing to call his war anything other than a ‘special military operation.’
“I will continue my strong support for Ukraine and admire the work of President Zelensky and the people of Ukraine. They are on the front lines of democracy and are fighting for democracy in Europe and around the world.”
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