Following a recent encounter between the USS Donald Cook and Russian fighter jets, U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) requested an update on the Obama administration’s strategy to extend sanctions on Russia.
In a letter sent to Treasury Secretary Jack Lew on Monday, Kinzinger and U.S. Rep. Michael Fitzpatrick (R-PA) wrote that a plan utilizing all available tools would help deter Russia’s destabilizing actions.
“Last week, we saw another example of Russian intimidation and hostility over a United States Navy ship,” Kinzinger said. “Time and again in Ukraine, Crimea and Syria, the threatening actions against the west and its allies have proven the Russians to be untrustworthy and menacing. Vladimir Putin is playing with fire, and it’s time to show him that there are consequences for his actions.”
The letter, signed by U.S. Reps. Todd Young (R-IN), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Bill Johnson (R-OH) and Ralph Abraham (R-LA), also argued that examining the U.S.’s financial relationship with Russia could send a message to Putin and his allies that aggressive actions in Europe and the Middle East won’t be tolerated.
“The stunt by Russian fighter jets over the USS Donald Cook…is just the latest from Putin’s Russia,” Young said in a statement. “Russia is testing our resolve, knowing the current U.S. president is likely to give ground after 2014 proved Putin could seize half of Ukraine without repercussion.”
Young said that a new administration that is more comfortable with American leadership “cannot come soon enough,” and that when Russia chooses to escalate and exploit vulnerabilities of the NATO alliance, it happens “very, very quickly.”
Fitzpatrick added that was “imperative” for America to hold Russia accountable.
“We’ll look forward to hearing the comprehensive strategy from Secretary Lew and White House officials,” Fitzpatrick said.