Dear Mr. President:
As long-time supporters of Ukraine and its European aspirations, we condemn in the strongest possible terms Ukrainian authorities’ use of force against peaceful demonstrators in Kyiv’s Independence Square. We strongly endorse White House and State Department calls for restraint and support the diplomatic engagement efforts of Assistant Secretary Nuland and Ambassador Pyatt.
As long-time supporters of Ukraine and its European aspirations, we condemn in the strongest possible terms Ukrainian authorities’ use of force against peaceful demonstrators in Kyiv’s Independence Square. We strongly endorse White House and State Department calls for restraint and support the diplomatic engagement efforts of Assistant Secretary Nuland and Ambassador Pyatt.
Over the past two decades, the United States Congress has provided steadfast support for Ukrainian efforts to build a modern, democratic European state. In that same spirit, we backed the initiative to establish a strategic partnership between the United States and Ukraine and have advocated on behalf of Ukraine’s aspirations to sign an Association Agreement with the European Union. As such, we find it unconscionable and entirely impermissible that your government would use force to disband peaceful protesters demonstrating in favor of Ukraine’s European integration, a policy long espoused by you personally and by your government.
Freedom of assembly is a hallmark of democracy, as is citizens’ right to petition their government. Ukrainian security forces’ brazen disregard for these fundamental rights is inconsistent with the principles and behavior of a democratic European state. We therefore urge you to order Ukrainian security forces to stand down and to issue clear instructions that the use of force against peaceful demonstrators will not be tolerated. We also call on you to take immediate action to bring perpetrators of violence to justice and to order the release of detainees.
We urge you to make good on your earlier promises to engage in constructive dialogue with representatives of civil society and opposition parties. The United States stands with the millions of Ukrainians who dream of a more just, democratic, and open society. Given Ukraine’s perilous economic situation, we understand that dialogue with the EU and IMF might seem the less expedient path, but it is the right path — the path that best guarantees Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and future prosperity. Rest assured that Ukraine will not be alone if you choose this path. As it has since Ukraine valiantly won its independence from the Soviet Union, the United States will continue to support Ukrainian efforts to build a brighter future firmly grounded in Europe.
The world is watching and will long remember the actions that you take at this important moment in Ukrainian history. We look to you to demonstrate leadership and courage by putting Ukraine back on the path to European democracy and economic well-being.
Sincerely,
WILLIAM R. KEATING, Member of Congress
ELIOT L. ENGEL, Member of Congress
SANDER M. LEVIN, Member of Congress
MARCY KAPTUR, Member of Congress
JIM GERLACH, Member of Congress
