Ukraine-Russia Conflict: As Tensions Rise, Ohio Politicians React

OHIO — As fears of a Russian invasion of Ukraine rise, several Ohio politicians are condemning Russia's actions and calling for a withdrawal of troops from the border.

President Joe Biden announced the U.S. was ordering heavy financial sanctions against Russian banks and oligarchs on Tuesday, declaring that Moscow had flagrantly violated international law by invading Ukraine. Russian troops were recently ordered over the Ukrainian border and the White House has begun referring to those actions as an "invasion," the Associated Press reported.

Lawmakers in Russia's Federation Council voted to allow President Vladimir Putin to use military force outside of Russia — effectively formalizing a Russian military deployment to the rebel regions of Ukraine, where an eight-year conflict has killed nearly 14,000 people.

Rep. Marcy Kaptur, a Democrat from Toledo, is co-chair of Congressional Ukraine Caucus. She issued a blistering statement Tuesday lambasting Russia and its leader Vladimir Putin.

"Putin is a murderous dictator whose objective is rigid control of society. He accomplishes his barbaric schemes by suppressing human rights, eliminating independent media, assassinating political opponents, and limiting economic opportunity. This region of the world should be free and prosperous, not denied hope and opportunity by a corrupt and merciless tyrant," Kaptur said.

Kaptur's condemnation was echoed by Ohio politicians on both sides of the aisle. Sen. Rob Portman, a Republican, issued a statement on Twitter, calling on governments to enact "all available sanctions on Russia."

"Russia's illegal occupation of the Donbas is a clear violation of Ukrainian territory and must be met with sanctions and diplomatic condemnation," Portman added.

Here's what other Ohio politicians said on the conflict.

Sen. Sherrod Brown, a Democrat, called Russia's "incursion" into eastern Ukraine an "act of naked aggression" that "violates international law."

Rep. Joyce Beatty, a Democrat from Dayton, said on Twitter: "Putin’s aggression toward Ukraine is an attack on freedom and democracy. We must continue to stand up for democracy at home and abroad and hold autocrats like Putin accountable."

Rep. Bill Johnson, a Republican from Marietta, said on Twitter on Friday that he feared this was a precursor to an all-out Russian invasion. "This is what happens when America abandons its leadership role at the head of the table on the global stage."

Rep. Mike Turner, a Republican from Dayton, said the following during a Friday event with the Hudson Institute that Russia's nuclear weapons were pointed at the U.S. and they were a "self-declared adversary" of our nation.

Reporting from the Associated Press was used in this article.