John,

It’s only been two days but it feels like an eternity. Since the invasion started, I have been glued to the news and watching in horror as civilians across Ukraine have found themselves in the crossfire of the largest military engagement since WWII. 

Russia’s invasion is a blatant, reckless, and dangerous violation of international law and norms. Russia has put the whole world in danger of a catastrophic war that could kill millions if not more across the globe. 

It’s time to put all of our nation's weight behind finding a swift and peaceful resolution to this conflict and towards building up our capacity to shelter those fleeing the fighting. As a leader on the international stage and the wealthiest country in the world, it is our duty to set an example for our allies who we will need to work with to make long-term plans for resettling huge numbers of Ukraine’s population.  As part of this, it's on us to provide Ukraine's neighbors like Poland, Hungary, Moldova, and Slovakia with the resources that they will need to shoulder the weight of this massive displacement. 

As I write this, thousands of pro-peace Russians are currently taking to the streets and bravely protesting their nation's attempt at a misguided imperial conquest. These activists are doing the brave work of Democracy by holding their government accountable for its actions and refusing to accept war. I stand with these activists and pray for their safety. 

The US will likely face repercussions for its condemnation and sanctioning of Russia’s invasion. One of the most likely paths for Russian retribution is through cyber warfare. I have been a long-time advocate for improving our nation's cybersecurity in preparation for cyber attacks. Our cybersecurity has gone neglected as we funnel money into the cobwebs and dust bunnies of our Pentagon budget and thus creating vulnerabilities, some of them terrifying, within our American cyber defenses. Shutting down a city's electric grid is a crisis, but shutting down a hospital filled with patients on life-sustaining machines is heart wrenching. Now is the time to act with direction and in preparation to protect our people and our cyberinfrastructure from potential and likely attacks from Russia and other international superpowers who might seize Putin's acts of aggression and war as an opportunity for further imperialism, chaos, and destruction.  

Now is the time for leaders across the world to stand in solidarity with Ukrainian civilians and condemn Russia's actions. While I am only a congressional candidate in Pennsylvania, I am proud to be adding my voice to the consensus. The plight of the Ukrainian people breaks my heart and I pray for a quick resolution of this crisis without further escalation. 

In solidarity with the courageous civilians of Ukraine. 

Alexandra