WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement Thursday amid escalating violence in Ukraine:

“In recent days, there has been a sharp spike in violence in Ukraine, and I mourn the loss of eight Ukrainian servicemembers who have been killed in the fighting.  The United States needs to stand up for principles.  I call upon Russia and its separatist proxies in eastern Ukraine to abide by the terms of the Minsk protocols and immediately cease the violence, which affects so many civilians in the region. It is incumbent upon the Senate to clearly express its support for the sovereignty of Ukrainian and solidarity with our close allies in Europe.  That is why I was glad to work with Senator McCain and eight other colleagues on a bipartisan basis on legislation to codify existing sanctions into law as well as increase pressure on Russia to comply with its international commitments.  The Senate must move on this legislation.”

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