Ukrainian-Americans and Ukrainian citizens in the United States would be permitted to seek monetary damages from Russia in the American judicial system under legislation introduced on March 24 by U.S. Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI).
The bipartisan Ukrainian Sovereignty Act, H.R. 7205, which Rep. Upton cosponsored alongside bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI), would ensure those who incur losses as a result of the hostile invasion in Europe have access to the U.S. courts to recover damages, according to the congressional record bill summary.
“Although we will never be able to hold Putin and his cronies accountable for the full extent of their crimes, the Ukrainian Sovereignty Act will offer Ukrainian-Americans and Ukrainian citizens here in the U.S. a chance to reclaim the property they were forced to leave behind due to the unprovoked Russian invasion,” Rep. Upton said. “As the world leader in peace and democracy, we must take this opportunity to offer our allies a chance for compensation and hold these criminals accountable through every avenue possible.”
Rep. Dingell agreed, saying Russian President Vladimir Putin’s “unprovoked, unjustified war” has killed civilians and children, created a far-reaching humanitarian crisis beyond Ukraine’s border, and significantly impacted economies around the world.
“President Putin and his enablers must be held accountable for their war crimes that have resulted in death and damage,” she said. “The Ukrainian Sovereignty Act will give Ukrainians the power to use the U.S. judicial system to hold these criminals accountable for their actions.”
H.R. 7205 has been referred to the U.S. Judiciary Committee for consideration.