Mitchell Would Back Ukraine

Aug. 12, 2024

Editor, The News-Gazette: In 1991, Ukraine had the third largest nuclear arsenal in the world. In exchange for economic and security guarantees, Ukraine volunteered to give back its nuclear weapons to Russia. Russia, the U.S. and Ukraine signed the Trilateral Statement on Jan. 14, 1994. Ukraine agreed to full disarmament provided that they’d have economic support and security assurances from the United States and Russia. This paved the way for the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START).

On Feb. 22, 2022, Russia invaded the northeastern part of Ukraine, breaking its pact a second time. (The first time was in 2014 during their occupation of southern Ukraine - Crimea.) There are many documented reports of Russian atrocities. The U.S. and much of the world have aided Ukraine in defending themselves.

In the past year, we saw the extremist end of the Republican Party withdrawing support for Ukraine’s defense. People like Matt Gaetz, Marjorie Taylor Greene, and our District 6 representative, Ben Cline, all have failing records when it comes to votes in support of Ukrainian aid to defend itself.

Parts of Ukraine’s country and infrastructure have been decimated. However, the economic loss pales in comparison to the deaths and injuries of tens of thousands of Ukrainians of all ages. Soldiers and civilians have paid a hefty price. These tragic losses won’t be easily recouped.

Please join me in voting for Ken Mitchell for Congress. He sees the value of supporting our allies. He understands that we should honor our commitments to allies in fighting against aggression. BETH CLATTERBUCK Harrisonburg (born in Lexington)