UABA applauds the US House of Representatives for passage of H. Res. 758 supporting Ukraine

 On December 4, 2014, the United States House of Representatives, by an overwhelming vote of 411 – 10, passed H.Res.758- "Strongly condemning the actions of the Russian Federation, under President Vladimir Putin, which has carried out a policy of aggression against neighboring countries aimed at political and economic domination."

 The Ukrainian American Bar Association (UABA) applauds with great appreciation the House of Representatives for its strong expression of support for Ukraine and the Ukrainian people in their struggle to attain Western values and democracy. 
The text of the resolution clearly shows that the House is fully
aware of the extremely dangerous significance of the Kremlin's actions against Ukraine, and its impact on international rule of law and order.  It recognizes that the Kremlin has not adhered to any of its internationally made pledges regarding the territorial integrity and sovereignty of states, thus undermining the bedrock upon which European peace is built in the aftermath of World War II.  Rather, Russia has intentionally trampled upon Ukraine's political and economic sovereignty and its territorial integrity for quite some time in full view of the world.

 The UABA notes, however, that H. Res. 758 only expresses the
sense of the House of Representatives and does not have the
force of law.  As such, we strongly urge that both houses of
the United States Congress take under immediate consideration
and in a swift and expeditious manner, pass Senate Bill S.
2828 and House Bill H.R. 5782. These bills will provide, among
other things, defensive military assistance to Ukraine and
would grant Ukraine Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA)  Status and are
in the United States' national security interests.  The
implementation of such legislation into law is essential since
it will help Ukraine repel Putin's aggression and prevent his
imperialistic ambitions from spilling over into the Baltic
States and the rest of Europe.

 The United States and Europe are at a historically crucial
crossroad.  America must take strong and decisive action to
reaffirm its world leadership position and help Ukraine defend
itself now!  If Western governments continue on the existing
path of only scolding Putin verbally and attempting to isolate
him economically, then they will condemn our children and
grandchildren to a probable conflagration on the European
continent that will be as great or even greater than the
horrors of World War II [recall Putin's recent verbal flexing
of his nuclear muscle] .....and from which America will have
no escape.

 For further information, please contact
Myroslaw Smorodsky, Esq.
Communications Director of the Ukrainian American Bar
Association (UABA)