Dear Readers: Welcome to The Washington Notebook, a featured article compiled by the Ukrainian National Information Service (UNIS) aimed at providing perspective and insight on activities in Washington that concern the Ukrainian community.
Not since the Revolution of Dignity concluded in February 2014 has the United States Congress seen such a flurry of Russia-related issues, and specifically regarding Ukraine, as in the first four months of 2019. In a bipartisan manner, members of the Senate Ukraine Caucus and the House of Representatives Congressional Ukrainian Caucus were active in introducing or supporting legislation focusing on Russia’s intrusion in Ukraine’s presidential elections; providing a new framework for additional Russia sanctions; honoring the fifth anniversary of the Revolution of Dignity; urging the cancellation of NordStream 2; deterring foreign intrusion in the U.S. electoral process; expressing support for the victims of Nazi and Soviet regimes (on what is known as “Black Ribbon Day”); and reinforcing the U.S. policy of never recognizing the illegal annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation.
While this is just a sampling of proposed legislation in the U.S. Congress that directly, or tangentially, affects Ukraine, the impetus behind these actions is rooted in Russia’s aggressive actions throughout the world and its effects on U.S. national security interests. And, the Ukrainian community can play a pivotal role in enhancing advocacy of these and similarly-related issues in Washington.
It’s no secret that the Ukrainian community has a longstanding tradition of interaction with its elected officials. This advocacy dates back for decades and was heightened during the Cold War in the community’s role as ambassadors for a free and independent Ukraine. Fast-forward to a modern Ukraine that regained its independence, and the community’s efforts became an outpouring of support for Ukraine to be ensconced in Euro-Atlantic institutions, steeped in democratic traditions and values.
With every new Congress come new challenges. The current composition of the U.S. Congress has changed dramatically since the 2018 midterm elections, with over 100 new senators and representatives winning seats. Promotion of Ukraine-related community concerns through events such as Ukrainian Days provide a unique opportunity to meet with new members of Congress while encouraging our long-term supporters to enhance support for a strong and vibrant civil society in Ukraine, as well as to promote economic reform and military assistance to Ukraine to preserve its territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence.
This year, in particular, is a very important endeavor for the Ukrainian community considering that Ukraine elected a president in the April 21 runoff and will hold parliamentary elections in the autumn even as the country fends off Russia’s ongoing aggressive tactics and war in eastern Ukraine.
Senators and members of the House of Representatives have introduced legislation this year which tackles many of the areas of concern for our community. Of particular interest is Senate bill S. 482 – Defending American Security from Kremlin Aggression Act of 2019 – sponsored by Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and supported by Sens. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), Cory Gardener (R-Colo.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), and Ben Cardin (D-Md.). This bill is similar to the Countering American Adversaries through Sanctions Act of 2017 (CAATSA), which sanctioned Russian oligarchs and entities for their ties to the Putin regime.
S. 482 is an all-encompassing bill that includes policy guidelines for Ukraine and Crimea; strengthening the NATO alliance; interaction with the European Union; enhancing public diplomacy; chemical weapons nonproliferation; cybercrime; election interference; and sanctions with respect to the Russian Federation. The sense of Congress clause of the bill unequivocally states: “the President should publicly call for the Government of the Russian Federation to return Crimea to the control of the Government of Ukraine, end its support for Russian-led forces violence in eastern Ukraine.” Its statement of policy on Crimea underscores: “the United States will never recognize the illegal attempted annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation, similar to the 1940 Welles Declaration in which the United States refused to recognize the Soviet annexation of the Baltic States.” Sanctions are a key component of S. 482, and the bill proves to penalize not just Russian oligarchs but repercussions for the Russian financial and energy sectors, cyberspace, as well as strengthening sanctions for Russia’s aggressive actions towards Ukraine.
And, lest we forget, Ukraine has many friends beyond the U.S. Congress, throughout the country. A coalition of Central and East European national community organizations, representing more than 20 million American voters whose heritage lies in the Central European region, regularly shares similar concerns regarding Ukraine, Russian aggression and U.S. national security interests in the region. Joint appearances and common actions have helped to promote issues in Congress and beyond.
So, yes, advocacy begins with one simple step: contact your elected officials. Discuss community issues of concern and importance. Invite them to community events. Request that they join the Senate or House Ukraine caucuses. Encourage others to become involved. Participate in advocacy events. And know that you, and others, are working toward the greater good.
For further information about the next Ukrainian Day advocacy event in Washington, please contact the Ukrainian National Information Service at [email protected].