The United States condemns Russia’s fraudulent attempt today to annex sovereign Ukrainian territory. Russia violates international law, tramples on the United Nations Charter and everywhere shows its contempt for peaceful nations. Make no mistake: these actions have no legitimacy. The United States will always respect Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders. We will continue to support Ukraine’s efforts to regain control of its territory by strengthening its hand militarily and diplomatically, including through the $1.1 billion in additional security assistance announced by the United States this week. In response to Russia’s false claims of annexation, the United States, along with our Allies and partners, announce new sanctions today. These sanctions will impose costs on individuals and entities — inside and outside Russia — that provide political or economic support to illegal attempts to change the status of Ukrainian territory. We will rally the international community to denounce these moves and to hold Russia accountable. We will continue to supply Ukraine with the equipment it needs to defend itself, undeterred by Russia’s desperate attempt to redraw its neighbor’s borders. And I look forward to signing legislation from Congress that will provide an additional $12 billion to support Ukraine. I urge all members of the international community to reject Russia’s illegal attempts at annexation and to stand with the people of Ukraine for as long as necessary.
