February 25, 2022 3:40 a.m.

On Thursday, Congressman Peter DeFazio issued a statement after Russia began its invasion of Ukraine.

DeFazio said, “I strongly condemn Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, and I join the international community in calling on Russian forces to immediately withdraw from Ukraine”.

DeFazio said, “Russia’s brutal dictator, Vladimir Putin, is a violent thug who is putting his delusions of grandeur ahead of the millions of Ukrainian lives he is now uprooting and putting in danger”.

DeFazio said he will continue to closely monitor the conflict and work with the Biden administration and his colleagues in Congress “…on an appropriate course of action to address this crisis and hold Putin accountable for his reckless actions”. His release said DeFazio is encouraging President Biden to keep all diplomatic options on the table as the situation progresses.

The release said “I also reiterate that the President must first receive authorization from Congress before involving any U.S. military personnel in areas of imminent or active hostilities – as required by the Constitution and U.S. law”. DeFazio said that included involving any U.S. troops, advisers, trainers, special forces, or any other U.S. military personnel in Ukraine.

DeFazio concluded by saying, “Cooler heads must prevail. It is imperative that we work with our international partners to bring this crisis to a peaceful resolution as soon as possible. Our thoughts are with the people of Ukraine at this difficult hour”.