Levin in Ukraine: US should expedite aid to Ukraine, sanction Russian banks
PoliticalNews.me – Apr 26,2014 – Levin in Ukraine: U.S. should expedite aid to Ukraine, sanction Russian banks
WASHINGTON – Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., chairman of the Armed Services Committee, met with reporters in Kyiv, Ukraine, during a visit there.
Following are Levin’s opening remarks as prepared for delivery: “Today I am completing a two-day visit to Ukraine to understand the security situation facing this country. I have met with senior Ukrainian political and military leaders, including Prime Minister Yatsenuk, Acting President Turchynov, and Defense Minister Koval. “I also visited the Maidan, where the Ukrainian people put their lives on the line to fight for a unified, democratic Ukraine. They are going to need to carry on in the same spirit to pull off a free, fair election – as they want to do – in the face of unrelenting pressure and threats from the Russian Armed Forces and the people they have brought in to support them. “Our support for the Ukrainian people must also be resolute. There are a number of steps that we can take to support them in their struggle. “First, we must expedite the aid that we have already promised them, to make sure that it arrives promptly. “Second, we should provide additional support, including body armor and fuel, that the Ukrainians need to protect themselves. “Third, we should make more robust use of the powers established in Executive Order 13661, which authorizes sanctions against the Russian financial, energy, metals, mining, engineering, and defense sectors, to ensure that Putin pays a price for his illegal actions against Ukraine, and his efforts to undermine democratic processes in this country. “Finally, we should use this authority to sanction Russian banks in addition to the one that we have already sanctioned, and to take on Russia’s manipulation of energy prices and supplies, which it uses to coerce not only Ukraine, but also many of its neighbors. To be effective, these actions must be taken in close coordination with our friends and allies in Europe – many of whom are directly affected by Russia’s abuses and threatened by its actions. “Earlier this week, I visited Afghanistan, where the Afghan people stood up to the threats and violence of the Taliban to vote in record numbers for a peaceful transfer of power. I am confident that the people of Ukraine, buoyed by the spirit of the Maidan, will show similar resolve in their struggle for a united, democratic country.” – See more at: http://www.levin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/levin-in-ukraine-us-should-expedite-aid-to-ukraine-sanction-russian-banks/?section=alltypes#sthash.LQjDT94T.dpuf
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