Russia has invaded Ukraine -  an independent and free nation that is sovereign over its own land. They have bombed cities, military sites and infrastructure, but also housing districts, an orphanage and a kindergarten, murdered hundreds, and are surrounding the Capital of Kyiv at the time of this writing. Russia has called this “military operations”, but this is full-fledged war on the people of Ukraine. All the while, we who are supposed to be allies of Ukraine and have signed the Budapest Memorandum along with other documents in recognition of their sovereignty have all but abandoned them in their darkest hour. Biden has imposed sanctions, but they are not enough - they do not cut to the heart of the issue. The current sanctions that have been imposed do little to hurt Putin and his war of aggression. Our collective inaction is aiding Putin. Make no mistake - to be passive is to be complacent. We must act now.

There is much at stake: First (and foremost), the people of Ukraine. Millions of people. Millions! Second, our word. If we recognize a nation as independent and an ally, then we also need to act. Words are not enough. “Condemning” Russia does nothing. Third,the future of democracy. Russia will not stop with Ukraine. They just won’t.

Here is what we are demanding:

1. Russia must be cut off from SWIFT and the United States must impose this sanction immediately. This will affect Putin and the outcome of his war.

2. The United States must immediately block Russia from access to the U.S. dollar.

3. Impose harsh sanctions directly on Putin and anyone close to him. We must freeze the foreign-held assets of Putin and his foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov.

Stand with Ukraine. They are our ally and a wonderful country. Stand against Russian aggression. It will not stop with Ukraine.