FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 8/12/25

Ukraine is fighting not just for their sovereignty, but for the principle of self-determination and the ability of its citizens to be free. America must stand with those willing to struggle and sacrifice for freedom, because their oppressors will not stop in their efforts to destroy these values which we as Americans cherish.

History teaches us that appeasing aggressors only emboldens them. When Neville Chamberlain gave Hitler concessions in 1938, hoping to avoid conflict, it only led to greater devastation. We cannot repeat those mistakes by pressuring Ukraine to surrender territoryto Putin’s Russia and his vision to recreate the Soviet Union. Rewarding aggression with land only guarantees future wars. Our allies in Poland, in the Baltics, in Finland and others, know this too well from their own experience. Some in leadership positions seem to have forgotten this experience and history, which puts us all at risk..

What doesn’t work is wavering leadership and dangerous security lapses. For example, recent reports are that Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff has been using Russian government translators in sensitive negotiations – breaking decades of security protocol. It is one reason of many why we need real Congressional oversight of these critical diplomatic efforts, coordinated with our allies and with Ukraine. We will not be successful ifwe are not allworking together towards a common goal.

America should never reward aggression by pressuring victims to surrender territory. That’s not who we are. We stand with those fighting for freedom, and we honor our commitments. Ukraine’s fight is our fight, and their victory will keep America strong — and their defeat is our defeat, and that of our allies. You can be sure the Chinese Communist Party is following events in Ukraine closely, and they will use any perceived weakness as a roadmap to diminish America’s presence in Asia and throughout the world. If we fail to honor our commitment to Ukraine, it may embolden China to test our commitment to defend our allies in Taiwan.

America has always been strongest when we stand by our principles and with our partners. In Congress, I’ll ensure we provide the support our allies need while maintaining the oversight and security standards Ohio families expect from their representatives.

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