Friends -

Earlier today the democratically elected President of Ukraine called on the Ukrainian people to take up arms to defend their country. A national resistance against Putin's tanks, missiles and state-of-the-art weaponry has now begun in the heart of Europe. My heart aches for the men, women and children caught in this unfolding violence.

From the very beginning our goal has been to prevent this tragedy. But Putin's chilling, delusional message earlier this week indicates he was intent on this war of aggression to extend Russian dominance over the people and territory of Ukraine. Every member of NATO, our other European partners, and freedom-supporting nations around the world must work to ensure that he fails to accomplish that goal.

As President Biden said today to the American people: "This aggression cannot go unanswered." I have called for applying our most punishing economic sanctions in response to Putin's decision to launch this brutal attack. In the hours and days ahead we must also step up support, together with our allies, for the Ukrainian armed resistance to Russian occupation and take steps to ensure that NATO frontline states are prepared to defend themselves.

Putin has blood on his hands and must be made to rue the day he unleashed this unprovoked violence. We must ensure that his attack is remembered by history as an epic miscalculation; and that we are remembered for standing with the brave people of Ukraine against this cold-blooded invasion.

The days and weeks ahead will be critical ones for the future of Ukraine, the international community and the hopes and goals of all of us working and wishing for greater peace, progress and prosperity at home and in the world.

Chris