Wicker, Cardin Urge Support for Ukrainian Fighter Pilot Illegally Held by Russia

Press Release

U.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Ben Cardin (D-Md.) are leading the Senate in recognizing the plight of Ukrainian fighter pilot Nadiya Savchenko, who was captured by pro-Russian forces in eastern Ukraine and has been held illegally in a Russian prison since July 2014. The senators have authored S. Res. 52, which expresses solidarity with the Ukrainian people while condemning the Government of Russia for its actions and calling for the immediate release of Ms. Saychecko, who is now six weeks into a hunger strike.

"The Russian government's lack of respect for international law and human rights could fill volumes," Senator Wicker said. "Russian authorities have no justification to continue holding Ms. Savchenko. I urge the Administration to use every tool available to assist in securing her immediate release."

"Russia's blatant disregard for the rule of law and their failure to abide by their international commitments continues to threaten Ukraine and its people. We are deeply concerned for the health and wellbeing of Ms. Saychenko, a Ukrainian hero," said Senator Cardin. "The United States will not stand idly by while she and other illegally imprisoned Ukrainians are denied access to due process, as well as urgently needed medical care."

On June 18, 2014, Nadiya Savchenko, Ukraine's first-ever female fighter pilot and an Iraqi war veteran, was captured by pro-Russian forces in eastern Ukraine while carrying out her duty to defend her country. Eventually, she was transported to Russia, illegally detained under unsubstantiated charges, subjected to numerous interrogations by Russian authorities and denied access to her counsel. These actions are a clear violation of her human rights and international standards.

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