Gerlach calls for stronger response to alleged Russian occupation of Ukraine

Rep. Jim Gerlach (R-Pa.) called for more a more urgent response to Russia’s alleged occupation of Ukraine from the Obama administration and the European Union on Tuesday.

Gerlach, a co-chairman of the Congressional Ukrainian Caucus, said the response to Russia’s troop build-up and alleged occupation of governmental buildings in Ukraine has been too slow.

“More finger-pointing is useless,” Gerlach said. “It is time for tough, comprehensive and unrelenting pressure to be applied against Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Russian economy and her people. It is time for the Obama administration to immediately articulate and implement specific diplomatic, economic and security measures to punish Russia for its aggression and clear violation of international law and international agreements….”

Gerlach said the administration should consider expelling Russia from the G-8, accelerate consideration of admitting Georgia and Ukraine into NATO, re-open NATO discussions about anti-missile defense systems and form an International Monetary Fund to help support a “rescue plan” for Ukraine.

“I know that my colleagues and I in Congress stand ready to provide whatever support is necessary to aid the people of Ukraine and ensure Russia respects the sovereignty of Ukraine and all nations,” Gerlach said.

Additionally, Gerlach said that all non-humanitarian aid to Russia should be suspended, Russian assets in U.S. and E.U. banks should be frozen and travel visas to Russian citizens should be halted.