WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, on February 22 expressed concern about the impact Russia’s invasion of Ukraine will have on Ukraine’s sovereignty and energy costs for Europe and the United States.

“President Biden’s weak ‘wait and see’ foreign policy strategy has only emboldened Russia to accelerate its aggression towards Ukraine and our European allies,” said Congresswoman Malliotakis. “While President Biden talks tough on Russia, his actions – or lack thereof – speak louder, and have sent a clear message that the United States’ foreign policy is one of appeasement, not action. My colleagues and I urged President Biden to impose crippling sanctions against Russia, halt the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, and repeal his Executive Orders that hindered our energy production and security giving Russia and our adversaries more leverage. Deterrents should have been implemented either prior to the full buildup of Russian troops or at minimum when the intelligence became clear that they planned to invade.

“Making matters worse is that Europe has become increasingly dependent on Russian natural gas. This should serve as a great lesson to American politicians working overtime to eliminate our energy independence, and in turn, threaten our national security. Sadly, until President Biden and the Democrats recognize their domestic energy policy will take us down the same road of vulnerability as Europe, Americans will see further increases to gas, electricity, and heating costs.

“This isn’t just about Ukraine – it’s about freedom versus oppression. Following the debacle in Afghanistan, not taking early and decisive action against Putin’s aggression has sent a dangerous message of appeasement to our adversaries, including China, Iran, and North Korea, that are all itching to expand their power and territory during what they may perceive as a window of opportunity due to flawed leadership.”

The United Nations Security Council has called Russia’s invasion a violation of international law and Ukraine’s sovereignty, prompting the U.S. to announce new sanctions that prohibit new investment, trade, and financing by U.S. persons to, from, or in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine.

Malliotakis sits on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs where she is the Ranking Member for the Subcommittee on International Development, International Organizations and Global Corporate Social Impact in addition to sitting on the Subcommittee on Europe, Energy, the Environment and Cyber.