John, do you know what Morgan Freeman and I both have in common? (I know what you’re thinking, but sadly I’m still awaiting my Oscar award…)

In all seriousness, here’s the truth: We were both permanently banned from Russia over the weekend.

Not just the two of us — the Russian government announced on Saturday that President Biden, Vice President Harris, Senate Majority Leader Schumer, Speaker Pelosi, even Mark Zuckerberg, and more than 900 other Americans were banned from entering the country.

If standing up to war criminals like Vladimir Putin and supporting the people of Ukraine against the Russian invasion earns you a spot on Russia’s blacklist, then let me be the first to say how proud I am to have my name on there.

I refuse to be intimidated by Putin’s scare tactics. I’ll wear this distinction as a badge of honor as I continue to do everything in my power to support Ukrainian resistance efforts, assist refugee resettlement around the world, and hold Russia’s elite oligarch class accountable for their crimes.

If you’re with me, please consider chipping in any amount you’re able to today to keep me in the fight for human rights, both at home and abroad. Let’s send a message to Putin and his allies that we are as determined as ever to stand with Ukraine against the Russian invasion.

If you've saved your payment information with ActBlue Express, your donation will go through immediately:

In solidarity,

Barbara Lee