John Kerry
Press Statement by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, released in Washington on May 25.
I welcome today’s news that Nadiya Savchenko has returned to Ukraine and the government of Ukraine’s humanitarian decision to release two Russian service members captured on Ukrainian soil and convicted of terrorism-related charges.
Nearly two years ago, Nadiya Savchenko was captured in combat in eastern Ukraine and forcibly taken against her will into Russia. Her release, after a long ordeal that included solitary confinement, is an important part of fulfilling Russia’s commitments under the Minsk agreements and should now provide impetus for their complete implementation. This includes a real, comprehensive and sustained ceasefire in eastern Ukraine; full access for the OSCE to the area affected by the conflict; elections under Ukrainian law that meet OSCE standards and are monitored by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR); the withdrawal of foreign forces and equipment; and the return to Ukraine of full control over its international border. We also call on Russia to abide by its Minsk commitments by releasing all hostages and unlawfully detained persons.
Samantha Power
Statement by Ambassador Samantha Power, U.S. permanent representative to the United Nations, issued May 25.
During the 708 days since her abduction in eastern Ukraine, Nadiya Savchenko has endured inhumane imprisonment, countless interrogations, solitary confinement, the deterioration of her health and farcical Russian legal proceedings. Today, Savchenko’s nightmare has finally ended.
While we are overjoyed at the news that Savchenko is reunited with her family, we remember the other Ukrainians, such as Oleh Sentsov or Oleksander Kolchenko, still held unjustly by Russia. Like Savchenko, many of these Ukrainian citizens were detained in sovereign Ukrainian territory and then illegally transferred to Russia for sham trials.
The United States will continue to press Russia for complete implementation of its commitments under the Minsk agreements, which include the return of all unlawfully detained people, as well as Russia’s withdrawal of its forces from Ukrainian territory; and for Russia to end its occupation of Crimea.
Much work must still be done to restore Ukraine’s territorial integrity – but today is a day for celebration in Ukraine, as one of its patriots has finally returned home.
Frank-Walter Steinmeier
Statement by the chairperson-in-office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, German Foreign Affairs Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, released in Berlin on May 25.
I am glad and relieved that Nadiya Savchenko has been released at last and that she can now return to her family in Ukraine,” Steinmeier said. “This is good news for which we have long worked to bring about and for which we nevertheless had to wait a long time. I offer my best wishes for a speedy recovery to Ms. Savchenko. Our thoughts are with her and her family. I hope and wish that today’s exchange will help build trust between Ukraine and Russia, thus providing the Minsk process with positive momentum.
Rob Portman
Statement by U.S. Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio), co-chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, issued on May 25.
I am very pleased to learn the news that Russia has freed Ukrainian pilot Nadiya Savchenko, who had been held in captivity since 2014. Nadiya became a symbol of Ukrainian defiance against Russian aggression and a rallying cry for a country determined to chart its own future in the face of daunting challenges at home and abroad. But more than that, her refusal to submit to her Russian captors was a victory for all who value justice, human dignity, and the unconquerable human desire to be free. I hope Nadiya will continue to serve as a symbol of hope and motivate her fellow Ukrainians and their international supporters to persevere in the struggle to build a free and independent Ukraine.
Ben Cardin
Statement by U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, released on May 25.
I welcome today’s release from prison in Russia of Nadiya Savchenko, the Ukrainian fighter pilot who had been held unjustly for nearly two years after being apprehended in Ukrainian territory and smuggled into Russia. Her strength has inspired many in Ukraine and around the world and this is a great day for her family, friends and supporters.
Through Congressional action, high level meetings and the press, I have strived to be a staunch advocate for Nadiya’s release. I look forward to seeing Nadiya take her seat in the Ukrainian Rada, so that she can contribute to the rebuilding of Ukraine’s democratic institutions and its reform process.”
Congressional Ukrainian Caucus
Joint statement by Congressional Ukraine Caucus co-chairs Sander Levin (D-Mich.), Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio) and Mike Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), and caucus members Ryan Costello (R-Pa.), Rosa DeLauro(D-Conn.), Robert Dold (R-Ill.), Dan Lipinski (D-Ill.), Nita Lowey (D-N.Y.), Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.), Tim Murphy (R-Pa.), Mike Quigley (D-Ill.), Dave Reichert (R-Wash.), and Adam Smith (D-Wash.) issued on May 25.
We welcome the news of the release of Nadiya Savchenko. Our thoughts are also with her family and loved ones. Throughout her imprisonment and trial, Savchenko has come to represent the spirit of an independent Ukraine, free from interference and eager to embrace the will of its own people. Her case touched communities from across the globe who united to advocate for her release.
We continue to condemn Russia’s handling of Savchenko’s capture, trial and sentencing. Russian authorities repeatedly delayed trial and hearing dates, moved her trial, and restricted access both to witnesses and the independent press. Once again, we call on Russian authorities to respect the rule of law and release all those held unlawfully in Russian custody.