Southern California leaders condemn invasion of Ukraine, urge severe sanctions on Putin, Russia

U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla called the invasion "unprovoked and unjustifiable." Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Burbank, called the invasion "an attack on the idea that countries are free to choose their own destiny, an attack on the rules-based order that has kept world peace since WWII. And most critically, an attack on democracy itself."

Southern California leaders condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine on Thursday, Feb. 24, and called for the most severe sanctions possible.

Rep. Katie Porter, D-Irvine, called the Russian attack "a dark time for the people of Ukraine and for our global peace and security."

"The United States must stand steadfast against Russian authoritarianism and unprovoked aggression," Porter said in a statement. "Together with partners and allies, we must support Ukraine, hold Russia accountable and be prepared to provide humanitarian assistance to those in need."

Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Burbank, called the invasion "an attack on the idea that countries are free to choose their own destiny, an attack on the rules-based order that has kept world peace since WWII. And most critically, an attack on democracy itself."

Schiff called for the most severe sanctions possible against Russia in response to the military action, targeting its banks, financial markets and "oligarchs."

"This is Putin's war — senseless, tragic and barbaric," Schiff said on his Twitter account. "We must enact debilitating sanctions on Russia and cut them off from the global economy. And, in the meantime, we pray for the Ukrainian people. An end to this madness."

"Russia's invasion of Ukraine is an unprovoked attack with no justification, and it is incumbent on all nations to ensure that Putin and his government are met with severe consequences," Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-California, said in a statement. "Putin must understand that such aggression will not stand.

"The United States stands shoulder-to-shoulder with our NATO allies against any further Russian belligerence. The alliance is strong and united. And the U.S. government has done an excellent job collecting and disseminating intelligence on Russian plans to make clear that Russia intended this invasion all along and fabricated pretenses to launch it. I'm confident the intelligence community will continue this critical work."

Rep. Mike Garcia, R-Santa Clarita, said he was praying for the "innocent civilians and military personnel in harm's way in Ukraine." But he laid blame for the attack on the Biden administration's failure to create "a stronger deterrence and failing to demonstrate to the world that the United States and our allies are to be respected."

"The unlawful steps Russia is taking against Ukraine are only the beginning," Garcia said in a statement. "China formally annexing and attacking Taiwan is the end state of all of these actions. Taiwan will be in the crosshairs of China if we do not start growing a backbone as a superpower. Until then, the US becomes more vulnerable every day this persists."

U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla called the invasion "unprovoked and unjustifiable." "Russia's invasion of a sovereign, democratic nation is reckless and a threat to democracy around the world. We stand with the brave people of Ukraine and continue to coordinate with our allies in imposing severe costs on Putin and his cronies," Padilla said in a statement.

"Putin's thirst for violence, with no regard for innocent civilians, has serious national security and economic implications for the American people and the world," he added. "Our unity must remain ironclad in the face of this assault on democracy."

"This is a disastrous day for free nations everywhere and a direct assault by tyranny and aggression that will compel the world to take notice," Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Temecula, said. "This is also a defining moment for the Biden Administration, which has manifestly failed to bolster a coalition of allies and partners to keep and secure the peace."

Issa said that the U.S. should demonstrate support for "Ukraine and its people in their hour of need," and he felt the credibility of American foreign policy and NATO were "being tested."

"And at this moment, they are failing that test," the congressman said.

Rep. Ken Calvert, R-Corona, said the Ukraine war stemmed from "Vladimir Putin's dreams of reuniting the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics," and it was incumbent on the president to "make it clear that the post-Soviet states, including Ukraine, have a right to develop as free and open democracies."

"Looking beyond the current disaster in the Ukraine, a lack of robust U.S. response and leadership will undoubtedly signal to China that Taiwan is theirs for the taking," Calvert said. "The global order that has survived for over 75 years is unraveling under this inept president."

He urged the White House "to do anything possible to support the people of Ukraine against authoritarian incursions," though the congressman stopped short of calling for military intervention.

Rep. Mark Takano, D-Riverside, said Putin's aggression will "bring catastrophic loss of life and human suffering."

"Russia, alone, is responsible for the death and destruction this war will bring, and they must be held fully accountable," he said.

Those sentiments were echoed by Rep. Raul Ruiz, D-Coachella, who said Putin's decision to wage war "threatens peace and stability around the globe."

"I stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian people to protect their sovereignty, and my prayers are with them," the congressman said. "The U.S. and our allies will work closely together to deter and defend against further Russian aggression."