WASHINGTON – U.S. Reps. Sander Levin (D-Mich.), Mike Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio) and Mike Quigley (D-Ill.), members of the Congressional Ukrainian Caucus, continue to call on Russia to release Ukrainian fighter pilot and Member of Parliament Nadiya Savchenko. News of their latest statements on her behalf was released on January 13.
On December 17, 2015, Ms. Savchenko began a hunger strike and is reported to be in ill health. The House of Representatives has passed a bipartisan resolution (H. Res. 50) highlighting her illegal detention and calling for her release.
Ms. Savchenko was captured by pro-Russian forces in July 2014 in eastern Ukraine and was illegally transferred to Russia; she was later charged with murder. Her trial in a remote region of Russia began in September 2015 and independent press access has been severely restricted. A guilty verdict is widely expected.
“We continue to call on Russian authorities to immediately release Nadiya Savchenko from custody, now well into its second year. We are gravely concerned by recent reports of her ill health since the commencement of her hunger strike. Since her detention in July 2014, Russian authorities have repeatedly delayed Savchenko’s trial and hearing dates, moved her trial venue to discourage attendance, and restricted access to witnesses. We demand that Russia abide by its international obligations and the rule of law, and we join the international community in calling for Nadiya Savchenko’s immediate release,” said Rep. Levin, co-chair of the Congressional Ukrainian Caucus.
“Since July of 2014 Nadiya Savchenko – a member of the Ukrainian Parliament and military veteran – has been unlawfully detained by Russian authorities. Her crime? Unsubstantiated charges stemming from her defense of her nation against Russia’s blatant military aggression. For more than two years, Ms. Savchenko has been incarcerated in Russia in clear violation of her human rights and international standards and now is reportedly in poor health. The U.S. stands with Ukraine in demanding the immediate release of Nadiya Savchenko and an end to Russian interference,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick, co-chair of the Congressional Ukrainian Caucus.
“Nadiya Savchenko is the personification of the new Ukraine-resilient, committed and brave. Her arrest and subsequent detainment by Russian officials is an extreme violation of international law and conduct. It is clear that the prospect of a fair trial is highly unlikely given the political climate in Russia surrounding her case. The Russian government should release her immediately, especially given her continued deteriorating health,” said Rep Quigley, member of the Congressional Ukrainian Caucus.