The Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA) has expressed outrage over signs of normalizing relations between the US and Russia amidst the war against Ukraine. The UCCA called on the US administration and Congress to strengthen support for Ukraine, provide more air defense systems, and refrain from returning to business-as-usual relations with Moscow as long as Russia continues its aggression.
This was reported in an official statement by the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America.
“Where is America’s moral compass? The UCCA condemns the normalization of relations with Russia,” the statement reads.
The UCCA expressed deep outrage and concern regarding the ongoing normalization of relations between the United States and the Russian Federation at a time when Russia continues its war against Ukraine.
The organization emphasized that instead of intensifying Russia's international isolation, holding it accountable, and imposing new consequences for its aggression, the opposite trend is being observed. Specifically, this includes inviting Russia to high-level G20 meetings, contacts between US officials and Russian representatives, cultural exchanges, and discussions on resuming economic, diplomatic, and trade cooperation.
The UCCA notes that Russia has not ended the war, has not withdrawn its troops from Ukrainian territory, and has not stopped attacking Ukrainian cities and civilian infrastructure, particularly energy facilities. Furthermore, Russia has not returned the thousands of Ukrainian children it abducted and forcibly deported, nor has it been held accountable for crimes committed against the Ukrainian people.
According to representatives of the Ukrainian community in the US, Russia has instead only intensified its aggression. Ukrainian children continue to be forced to take shelter in bomb shelters, families live under the constant threat of air raid sirens and explosions, and homes, schools, hospitals, energy facilities, and other civilian infrastructure are being destroyed.
It was also noted that, in the organization's view, the United States must restore "moral clarity" to its policy regarding Russia and clearly distinguish between the aggressor and the victim—between the violator of international law and the state defending its homes, freedom, and democratic values.
The UCCA emphasized that there can be no talk of cultural exchanges, economic cooperation, or the rehabilitation of Russia while Ukrainians bury loved ones killed by Russian missiles and drones, abducted children remain separated from their families, and Russian troops occupy Ukrainian territory.
Separately, the organization called on the US to increase air defense assistance to Ukraine.
"Ukraine must receive the necessary air defense capabilities to protect its skies and its people, and to put an end to Russia's campaign of aerial terror," the statement reads.
The UCCA calls for the provision of air defense systems, interceptors, aircraft, and other necessary assets to Ukraine to deprive Russia of the ability to terrorize Ukrainian cities from the air. The organization also believes that the "Close the Sky over Ukraine" initiative must include the option of striking Russian military targets—such as launch sites, airfields, and missile and drone infrastructure—used to attack Ukraine.
Furthermore, the UCCA calls for the strengthening and enforcement of mandatory sanctions against Russia. The organization emphasized that Russia must face increasing economic and political isolation as long as it continues its war of aggression.
Demands also include the return of every Ukrainian child illegally taken by Russia and the holding of those responsible accountable.
The organization also demands that Russia be held accountable for war crimes and crimes against humanity, specifically attacks on civilians and infrastructure, the destruction of Ukrainian cities and communities, the treatment of prisoners of war, and atrocities committed during the invasion.
The UCCA stressed that diplomacy cannot mean absolving the aggressor of responsibility, and peace cannot be built by rewarding Russia for a war it started itself.
The UCCA urged the United States not to assist Russia in returning to normal relations until it ceases its aggression, returns Ukrainian children, stops attacks on civilians and infrastructure, and begins to respect Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
"The UCCA is not asking the United States to abandon its principles for the sake of Ukraine. We call on Congress and this Administration to uphold them," the UCCA concluded.
Photo: AI-generated
Author: Inna Mikhno