Letter to Asad Khan, Pakistani Ambassador to the United States - Reps Lieu and Malinowski Urge India and Pakistan to Condemn Russia's Invasion of Ukraine

Letter

Dear Ambassador Khan:

As you know, on February 24, 2022, Russia launched an unprovoked attack on Ukraine. Hundreds and possibly thousands of casualties -- including children -- have occurred since, and over two million refugees have fled Ukraine. The International Criminal Court announced that it has opened an investigation into possible war crimes that the Russian military has committed in Ukraine. Each day that this conflict continues, civilians are killed and wounded, and families are torn apart.

Russia's unprovoked invasion of a sovereign nation is an assault not only on global peace but on our shared values of democracy and freedom. The United States, our allies, and our partners continue to show unity and strength in condemning the Russian invasion and reaffirming Ukraine's sovereignty. We must hold Russia accountable for its actions and put an end to this needless violence.

We are disappointed with your government's decision to abstain from the UN General Assembly's March 2 vote. We are also disappointed that Prime Minister Imran Khan announced bilateral trade agreements with Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. The Prime Minister's decision to proceed with his visit to Moscow, at a moment when the world was uniting in support of Ukraine, ran counter to the international community's efforts to reaffirm Ukraine's territorial integrity and call out Russia as the aggressor.

Many countries who have relationships with Russia did the right thing and condemned the Russian government -- they chose the right side of history and so should Pakistan. We urge you to strongly, unequivocally condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine and call for the immediate withdrawal of Russian military forces.

Sincerely,

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