Washington—Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) issued the following statement on Russia’s escalating aggression toward Ukraine in the Sea of Azoz:

“It’s clear to me that Russia believes it can bully other countries, taking what it wants when it wants with no repercussions. The world can’t allow this continued aggression toward Ukraine to go unaddressed.

“After illegally seizing the Crimean peninsula, the Russian military has further inflamed tensions in the region by seizing Ukrainian naval ships in the Sea of Azoz and holding the crews hostage.

“This isn’t just an attack on Ukraine, it’s an affront to the international community. Unfortunately, President Trump has remained largely silent on the issue, refusing to speak out against these actions.

“The United States can’t remain silent. We must join with our NATO allies and denounce Russia’s hostility, call for an immediate release of the Ukrainian ships and crews and hold Russia accountable for its actions in the Sea of Azoz.”