Letter to Chuck Hagel, Secretary of Defense - Publish Known Russian Military Activity Along Ukrainian Border

Letter

March 26, 2014

Dear Secretary Hagel,

I strongly request that the Department of Defense (DOD) do its part to comply with today's call for immediate action on the situation in Ukraine sent by senior Members of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) to the President. In particular, the Department should immediately provide Congress and make public known Russian military activity along the Ukrainian border.

Despite recent comments made by Russian Federation President Vladimir Putin, it is my belief that Russian forces may intend to advance further into Ukraine. I am concerned that if this information is not presented to Congress or shared with the larger international community to include countries such as Ukraine, there will be little or no opportunity to deter or prepare for further Russian advances. Unlike the initial advance into Crimea in which the current Administration gravely misread the intentions of President Putin, we may still possess an opportunity to act in order to prevent further aggression from Russia.

An immediate briefing to Members of Congress and the public release of certain information pertaining to the Russian military's current force posture is needed to shed light on recent developments along the border. Any delay in this matter will only increase the likelihood of more violence as it allows Russian military forces to move freely and position themselves for additional advances.

While not a member of NATO, Ukraine was a key component of the Bucharest Summit and was slated to eventually join the Alliance. As such, we must recognize Ukraine as a key ally to the United States. We call on the Department to immediately provide the United States Congress and Ukraine a detailed assessment on recent Russian actions.

Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter and we look forward to working with you.

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