Bennet calls for full weight of economic sanctions, bolstering resistance as Russia attacks Ukraine

Colorado Sen. Michael Bennet on Wednesday night warned of “grave consequences” for the Russian people after President Vladimir Putin launched a widespread attack on neighboring Ukraine.

“Putin’s corrupt and self-serving distortion of history and disregard for international law has upended the post WWII order,” said Bennet, a member of the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. “His violent path will result in grave consequences not only for the Ukrainian people but for the Russian people as well.”

Bennet called for economic sanctions and bolstering the Ukrainian resistance.

“The United States, coordinating with our allies and partners, must punish Putin immediately for his unprovoked aggression,” Bennet said in a prepared statement. “We should impose the full weight of economic sanctions right now, explore options to bolster the Ukrainian resistance, and stand resolute in our support of democracy and the rule of law.”

Colorado U.S. Rep. Joe Neguse, whose 2nd Congressional District includes Vail, tweeted this as the attack was launched:

“The UN Security Council — as it is literally being chaired by Russia — debating tonight as Russia simultaneously attacks Ukraine is theatre of the absurd. The institution is broken.”

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, who used to represent CD2 in Congress, issued the following statement on Thursday:

“Ruthless dictator Vladimir Putin’s Russian military aggression in Ukraine violates the freedoms we uphold in our nation and support around the globe. Colorado stands on the side of freedom. War, violence, and chaos threaten the very foundations of the global economy and our national security. I assure Ukrainians that they have the support and prayers of our state. So too we must take action to prevent severe economic fallout and further cost increases for hardworking Coloradans. I join leaders of our federal delegation in urging Congress to immediately suspend the federal gas tax and double down on a rapid clean energy transition to ensure that our energy future cannot be tied to geopolitical conflicts and global commodities.”

Later Thursday, Polis’s office release this press release on state actions in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine:

Governor Jared Polis announced new state actions in response to Russia’s invasion of the Ukraine. Earlier today, Governor Polis condemned Putin and urged Congress to immediately suspend the federal gas tax and double down on a rapid clean energy transition to ensure that our energy future cannot be tied to geopolitical conflicts and global commodities. Colorado is home to 11,000 Ukrainians. 

“Colorado will not stand for this attack on freedom and democracy. Our country must make Putin pay and continue to use our economic power to push back on Russia’s aggressive invasion of Ukraine. Today, my administration outlined how Colorado will welcome Ukrainian refugees, divest from any potential Russian state-owned assets, urge higher education institutions to review and reconsider any grants or projects they have with Russia and divest endowments from Russian owned assets while evaluating and terminating any state contracts with Kremlin owned entities. We will also be removing Colorado from the coverage of the Russian consular office in Houston,” said Governor Polis.

Governor Polis plans to write to the State Department as well as the Ukrainian ambassador, informing them that Colorado is ready to welcome refugees and is prepared to provide any support we can. The Polis administration began the New American Initiative in November 2019 to help the state address barriers to immigrant integration in Colorado.

The Polis administration is also looking across the state government to ensure that agencies are in no way supporting the Russian government and that the State is barring any influence of the Russian government or Russian state-backed interests in the State wherever possible for this extreme act of aggression.  

Today, Governor Polis signed an Executive Order directing the Office of Information Technology (OIT) and the Department of Personnel & Administration (DPA) to review relevant State contracts to determine if any are with Russian state-owned companies directly or as subcontractors. The Executive Order also directs state agencies to work to terminate such contracts if Russian state-owned companies are found to be contractors or subcontractors; and ensure that future procurement efforts analyze any possible connections with Russian state-owned companies or Russian state-owned companies. 

The Governor’s Order further directs the Executive Director of OIT to identify and focus resources on protecting the state’s critical infrastructure from Russian cyber attacks or misinformation efforts. The Governor’s Executive Order directs the Office of New Americans to continue and enhance interagency and collaborative efforts to support Ukrainian-born Coloradans and those who are fleeing this conflict, including but not limited to exploring all options for housing, opportunities for future state employment, and access to resources.

State Senate Democrats issued this press release on Friday:

In a bipartisan joint resolution the Colorado State Senate today voiced its unequivocal support for the people of Ukraine and condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin for launching the first violent invasion of a sovereign nation in Europe since 1945.

The resolution, which passed unanimously, also endorsed the sanctions imposed on Russia’s economy by President Joe Biden and called for a swift end to the bloodshed and a return to diplomacy.

“Vladimir Putin’s cruel and reckless attack on Ukraine is an indefensible violation of international law that will cost thousands of lives and cause pain and suffering for millions,” said Senator Chris Hansen (D-Denver), who sponsored the resolution. “We strongly condemn Putin’s needless aggression, as well as anyone who supports him or his despotic regime. Colorado is proud to stand alongside the Ukrainian people as they endure this brutal and senseless war, and we will do everything we can to support Ukraine, encourage diplomacy, and hold Russia and its leaders accountable for their actions.”

The joint resolution was also sponsored by Senate Minority Leader Chris Holbert (R-Douglas County) and Sen. Bob Gardner (R-Colorado Springs), and will be considered by the House on Monday.

The full text of the resolution is below:

WHEREAS, the post-war international security order, led by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), has relied upon diplomacy, peace and open communication over armed conflict to ensure prosperity and stability for over 1 billion people for more than 70 years; and

WHEREAS, following the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Ukrainian people voted overwhelmingly to form a nation independent from Russia, building a democracy and a thriving country grounded in the rule of law; and

WHEREAS, in 2014, the pro-Western Euromaidan protest movement in Ukraine led to the resignation of authoritarian president Viktor Yanukovych, a brutal ally of Vladamir Putin, ushering in democratically elected leaders who have sought closer ties to the EU and the United States; and

WHEREAS, the Russian Federation, seeking to block the free will of the Ukrainian people in their pursuit of security, peace and prosperity through closer ties to the EU and the United States, annexed territory from Ukraine in 2014 and instigated, supported and supplied a deadly separatist war in Eastern Ukraine that has destabilized the region and killed thousands of civilians; and

WHEREAS, the Russian Federation deployed military assets to support the separatist militias in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, resulting in the reckless missile attack that downed Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 and killed 298 innocent civilians in 2014; and 

WHEREAS, Vladimir Putin intentionally lied to his own people and to the global community to create a false pretext to invade and occupy Ukraine based on lies that Ukraine posed a threat to Russians and that falsely connected Ukraine and its political leaders to Nazism; and

WHEREAS, the Russian Federation violated international peace and security agreements that sought a peaceful solution in Eastern Ukraine and instead amassed hundreds of thousands of troops on Ukraine’s border; and

WHEREAS, Vladimir Putin has now launched an unjust and unwarranted invasion upon the peaceful nation of Ukraine; and

WHEREAS, Russian soldiers are currently sweeping through the country, inflicting violence and terror upon millions of civilians and destroying homes, businesses, and property; and

WHEREAS, Ukraine is a proud and honorable nation under siege and the brutality of this unnecessary and violent war is an affront to both international law and common decency; and

WHEREAS, Ukraine has been a bulwark against Russian military aggression in Europe and Vladimir Putin has said his goal is to recreate the Soviet Union and may have intentions to threaten NATO allies with military force; and

WHEREAS, Vladimir Putin has sought to destabilize countries across Europe and interfere in other countries’ elections and democracies including the United States; and

WHEREAS, The United States has galvanized the international community and our allies to impose the strongest possible sanctions on Russia and its financial institutions in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine; and

WHEREAS, Colorado is home to thousands of Ukrainian Americans and to millions who care deeply for and stand strongly in support of the Ukrainian people; and

WHEREAS, Ukraine deserves the support of every American and the entire international community as it defends itself from this unprovoked Russian invasion, the largest attack by one state against another in Europe since World War II; therefore

Be It Resolved by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Seventy-third General Assembly of the State of Colorado:

That we, the members of the Colorado General Assembly:

(1) Proudly stand alongside Ukraine, its people, and its leaders during this horrific and unnecessary war, and vow to support Ukraine and hold Russia fully accountable for its catastrophic decision to invade;

(2) Condemn, in the strongest possible terms, Vladimir Putin’s violent attack on the people of Ukraine, and strongly endorse the swift and severe economic sanctions and stringent export controls President Biden’s administration has imposed on Russia; and

(3) Urge Russia to immediately cease its violent, illegal, and immoral assault upon Ukraine, end the needless bloodshed, and return to diplomacy and the rules-based international order that has ensured peace and prosperity for so many.

Be It Further Resolved, That copies of this Resolution be sent to the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, the Majority Leader of the United States House of Representatives, the Minority Leader of the United States House of Representatives, the President of the United States Senate, the Majority Leader of the United States Senate, the Minority Leader of the United States Senate, and all members of the Colorado Congressional delegation.

Colorado House Democrats issued the following resolution on Monday, Feb. 28:

The House today passed a resolution supporting Ukraine as the country continues to defend itself from Vladimir Putin and Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified invasion. 

“Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked and violent attack on the Ukrainian people threatens peace and security throughout Europe and must stop immediately,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton, who served in Afghanistan. “The Colorado General Assembly proudly stands with the people of Ukraine, who are giving it their all and bravely defending their country from this illegal Russian invasion. I am heartbroken by the casualties of this war and the destruction Putin has unleashed on the Ukrainian people, who are fighting to defend Europe and the fundamental values we hold dear – the right of self-determination, freedom and independence.” 

“The Colorado House proudly stands with the people of Ukraine as they defend their country from Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked, unjustified and violent attack on their nation,” said Speaker Alec Garnett, D-Denver. “The entire World stands in awe of President Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian people who are defying all the odds and bravely fighting back against Putin’s forces. I support the swift action from the Biden Administration to galvanize our allies to send humanitarian and military aid to Ukraine and impose some of the toughest sanctions ever developed to bolster Ukraine, hold Putin accountable, and restore peace and security to Europe.” 

The bipartisan SJR22-004, sponsored in the House by Representatives David Ortiz and Patrick Neville, condemns Vladimir Putin’s violent attack on the people of Ukraine and affirms the General Assembly’s steadfast support for the people of Ukraine and its democratically elected leaders. 

The resolution reads in part: 

WHEREAS, Ukraine deserves the support of every American and the entire international community as it defends itself from this unprovoked Russian invasion, the largest attack by one state against another in Europe since World War II; now, therefore, 

Be It Resolved by the Senate of the Seventy-third General Assembly of the State of Colorado, the House of Representatives concurring herein: 

That we, the members of the Colorado General Assembly: 

(1) Proudly stand alongside Ukraine, its people, and its leaders during this horrific and unnecessary war and vow to support Ukraine and hold Russia fully accountable for its catastrophic decision to invade;

(2) Condemn, in the strongest possible terms, Vladimir Putin’s violent attack on the people of Ukraine and strongly endorse the swift and severe economic sanctions and stringent export controls that President Biden’s administration has imposed on Russia; and 

(3) Urge Russia to immediately cease its violent, illegal, and immoral assault upon Ukraine, end the needless bloodshed, and return to diplomacy and the rules-based international order that has ensured peace and prosperity for so many. 

The full text of the resolution is below

WHEREAS, The post-war international security order, led by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), has relied upon diplomacy, peace, and open communication over armed conflict to ensure prosperity and stability for over one billion people for more than 70 years; and 

WHEREAS, Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Ukrainian people voted overwhelmingly to form a nation independent from Russia, building a democracy and a thriving country grounded in the rule of law; and 

WHEREAS, In 2014, the pro-Western Euromaidan protest movement in Ukraine led to the resignation of authoritarian president Viktor Yanukovych, a brutal ally of Vladimir Putin, ushering in democratically elected leaders who have sought closer ties to the European Union and the United States; and 

WHEREAS, The Russian Federation, seeking to block the free will of the Ukrainian people in their pursuit of security, peace, and prosperity through closer ties to the European Union and the United States, annexed territory from Ukraine in 2014 and instigated, supported, and supplied a deadly separatist war in Eastern Ukraine that has destabilized the region and killed thousands of civilians; and 

WHEREAS, The Russian Federation deployed military assets to support the separatist militias in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, resulting in the reckless missile attack that downed Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 and killed 298 innocent civilians in 2014; and 

WHEREAS, Vladimir Putin intentionally lied to his own people and to the global community to create a false pretext to invade and occupy Ukraine based on lies that Ukraine posed a threat to Russians and that falsely connected Ukraine and its political leaders to Nazism; and 

WHEREAS, The Russian Federation violated international peace and security agreements that sought a peaceful solution in Eastern Ukraine and instead amassed hundreds of thousands of troops on Ukraine’s border; and 

WHEREAS, Vladimir Putin has now launched an unjust and unwarranted invasion upon the peaceful nation of Ukraine; and 

WHEREAS, Russian soldiers are currently sweeping through the country, inflicting violence and terror upon millions of civilians and destroying homes, businesses, and properties; and 

WHEREAS, Ukraine is a proud and honorable nation under siege, and the brutality of this unnecessary and violent war is an affront to both international law and common decency; and 

WHEREAS, Ukraine has been a bulwark against Russian military aggression in Europe, and Vladimir Putin has said that his goal is to recreate the Soviet Union and may have intentions to threaten NATO allies with military force; and 

WHEREAS, Vladimir Putin has sought to destabilize countries across Europe and interfere in other countries’ elections and democracies, including the United States; and 

WHEREAS, The United States has galvanized the international community and our allies to impose the strongest possible sanctions on Russia and its financial institutions in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine; and 

WHEREAS, Colorado is home to thousands of Ukrainian Americans and to millions who care deeply for and stand strongly in support of the Ukrainian people; and 

WHEREAS, Ukraine deserves the support of every American and the entire international community as it defends itself from this unprovoked Russian invasion, the largest attack by one state against another in Europe since World War II; now, therefore, 

Be It Resolved by the Senate of the Seventy-third General Assembly of the State of Colorado, the House of Representatives concurring herein: 

That we, the members of the Colorado General Assembly: 

(1) Proudly stand alongside Ukraine, its people, and its leaders during this horrific and unnecessary war and vow to support Ukraine and hold Russia fully accountable for its catastrophic decision to invade;

(2) Condemn, in the strongest possible terms, Vladimir Putin’s violent attack on the people of Ukraine and strongly endorse the swift and severe economic sanctions and stringent export controls that President Biden’s administration has imposed on Russia; and 

(3) Urge Russia to immediately cease its violent, illegal, and immoral assault upon Ukraine, end the needless bloodshed, and return to diplomacy and the rules-based international order that has ensured peace and prosperity for so many. 

Be It Further Resolved, That copies of this Joint Resolution be sent to the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, the Majority Leader of the United States House of Representatives, the Minority Leader of the United States House of Representatives, the President of the United States Senate, the Majority Leader of the United States Senate, the Minority Leader of the United States Senate, and all members of Colorado’s Congressional delegation.