Congressman Cohen Pledges Continued Support of Ukraine on the 1,000th Day of Russian Invasion

WASHINGTON - Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9), the House Ranking Member of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, also known as the Helsinki Commission, today pledged his continued support for Ukraine at a hearing on "1,000 Days of Russia's War on Ukraine."

In his opening statement, after yielding his time to Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, Ranking Member Cohen said in part:

"Putin invaded Ukraine and thought it was going to be a two-day walk in the park, and it wasn't. The Ukrainian people, the Ukrainian military, have been heroic and strong and shown great fortitude and love for their country. I've been proud to support Ukraine, visited with President Zelensky…and pledge my continued support and hope that the Congress will do the same…

"I don't have much hope for continued American support, which Ukraine needs, but they'll have mine…"

See his opening remarks here.

Congressman Cohen also commended Helsinki Commission Chairman Joe Wilson of South Carolina for his support of Ukraine in the face of some opposition in his caucus.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the Commission by video on the 1,000-day milestone, saying in part: "This war must end in accordance with international law…The day must come when Putin's smile is gone forever."

In his questions to witnesses, Congressman Cohen asked about the impact of F-16 fighters in the prosecution of the war and asked what failure in Ukraine would mean.

Witnesses at today's hearings were:

• H.E. Andrii Sybiha, Foreign Minister of Ukraine;
• Dr. Hanna Hopko, Former Chairwoman of Ukrainian Rada Foreign Affairs Committee; Co-Founder, International Center for Ukrainian Victory;
• Mariia Kucherenko, Head of Russia Studies, Come Back Alive; and
• Dr. Andrew Michta, Director and Senior Fellow, Scowcroft GeoStrategy Initiative, Atlantic Council

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