Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine: Alabama Lawmakers Weigh In

ALABAMA — As Russia began shelling Ukraine Thursday morning, Pres. Joe Biden is tasked with responding to the attacks in solidarity with the Ukrainian people. Lawmakers from Alabama in Washington issued statements Thursday urging Biden to hit Russia with sanctions, among other punishments.

Russia had placed nearly 190,000 forces near the Ukrainian border before the invasion began, and Biden accused Vladimir Putin of personally choosing to carry out "a premeditated war that will bring a catastrophic loss of life and human suffering."

Alabama's Congressional delegation has been vocal Thursday regarding the attacks.

"Putin’s invasion of Ukraine comes as no surprise," Senator Richard Shelby (R-AL) said in a statement Thursday morning. "He is on a mission to reconstitute the Soviet Union. This should be a wakeup call for the U.S. and our allies in Europe. Putin must be taken very seriously. A strong, unified response is imperative."

"Putin is a tyrant attacking a sovereign nation," Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) said via social media Thursday. "I condemn this unnecessary war and implore the free world to cripple Russia with sanctions."

Alabama's lone Democrat in Washington, Rep. Terri Sewell (D-AL) echoed Biden's accusation toward Putin.

"My prayers are with the people of Ukraine," Sewell said in a statement. "By launching this premeditated and unprovoked war, Putin has chosen a path of catastrophic suffering and loss of life. The United States and the world will hold Russia accountable."

"This invasion is a brutal effort by Putin to stamp out a democratic nation on his doorstep," Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-AL) said Thursday morning. " Nothing like this has occurred in Europe since WWII. We continue to send prayers to the people of Ukraine during this dark time."

Rep. Mike Rogers (R-AL) had choice words for Putin in a statement Wednesday night.

"The last few hours have laid bare for the world to witness the true evil that is Vladimir Putin," Rogers said. "Today, we stand resolute with the Ukrainian people and resolve to provide them with the tools they need to withstand and repel this unprovoked attack. Every drop of Ukrainian and Russian blood spilled in this conflict is on Putin’s hands, and his alone."

Rep. Jerry Carl (R-AL) issued a similar statement Thursday via Twitter, saying, "Putin’s invasion of Ukrainian sovereign territory is an act of pure evil, and he should be met with resolve and strength to support Ukraine and its people. The United States stands with the people of Ukraine and our NATO allies, and I strongly urge @POTUS to enact the toughest possible sanctions to cripple Russia and prevent them from continuing unprovoked attacks."

Rep. Mo Brooks (R-AL) issued a statement criticizing Biden and praising former president Donald Trump.

"Joe Biden has all the strength of a marshmallow," Brooks said. "President Trump, on the other hand, had it right and was very forceful in dealing with authoritarian dictator Vladimir Putin."

U.S. Senate candidate Katie Britt — an opponent of Brooks in the Senate race this year — issued a statement Thursday as well, also urging Biden to punish Russia via sanctions and joined Brooks by criticizing Biden and his policies.

"Joe Biden should tell the American people and the world that we are reopening the American energy industry," Britt said. "God has blessed us with the greatest stockpile of energy-producing natural resources in the world, including oil, natural gas and coal. Unfortunately, Biden’s existing America Last energy policy has relegated us to again becoming a net importer of energy. We can and must reverse course so that we can supply Europe with American energy sources, which gives them energy security, ends their dependence on Russia, and cuts Putin’s profits and diminishes his leverage."

Britt placed the blame for the Russian invasion of Ukraine on Biden.

"This all could have been avoided if Biden had continued the successful policies and strength of the Trump administration," Britt said. "Weakness and policy missteps led to this moment. It may be too late for Ukraine, but it’s not too late for combating Putin in the long-run. The Biden administration must wake up and step up."