“We pray for the people of Ukraine as their freedom and safety are under grave assault. History will show they have not sought this conflict, but are justified in defending their sovereignty with courage and clarity.

“When Congress reconvenes, we must and will impose stringent sanctions on Russia – particularly on President Putin, his inner circle and others who benefit from his malicious behavior – in response to this unlawful invasion.”

Last week, the senator joined the majority of his Senate Republican colleagues in introducing the Never Yielding Europe’s Territory (NYET) Act to provide critical support for Ukraine to defend itself and deter Russian aggression by imposing real economic consequences on the Kremlin for its current and potential future aggression against Ukraine.