A woman is helped through rubble in the war zone in Ukraine last week.
At an event last week, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick said Russian President Vladimir Putin was “mentally deteriorating” and he called for more American support of Ukraine.
Speaking at a Wednesday afternoon forum on Ukraine at Bucks County Community College’s Gene and Marlene Epstein Campus at Lower Bucks in Bristol Township, Fitzpatrick highlighted the violence of Russia’s war and the impacts to the millions of people.
“We’re seeing images we thought were permanently relegated to the history books,” Fitzpatrick said.
“We could be doing more,” he stated.
The Republican congressman from Middletown said providing “some” defensive equipment and sanctions against Russia are good, but he added more needs to be done. He called for President Joe Biden’s administration to sanction all Russian banks and 100 percent of Russia’s economy, including the energy sector.
The congressman said he has been frustrated after seeing death and destruction, but Americans shouldn’t be concerned about impacts on our economy and marginal cost increases if “we went all the way into sanctions.”
The White House has said 600 Russian-linked entities and people have been sanctioned by the U.S.
The congressman said America needs to facilitate turning over more drones and Poland’s MiG-29 jets to Ukraine. He said Ukraine also needs our help to get more S-300 long range surface-to-air missile systems for air defense.
The additional combat and defense systems would help Ukraine create their own no-fly zone, Fitzpatrick said.
The congressman suggested creating an American-backed technological no-fly zone over Ukraine. The military would use technology to ground Russian military jets and stop them from taking action over Ukraine.
The U.S. and European allies have hesitated in creating a traditional no-fly zone, which polices the skies over a war zone, above Ukraine due to worries it would put allied forces in direct conflict with Russia and escalate the war.
“There are no no risk options out there … we also need to talk about the risk of inaction,” Fitzpatrick said
The congressman said Putin’s mental state is concerning because Russia has nuclear weapons.
In a statement, the Biden administration said they have provided $2 billion in military aid to Ukraine since January 20, 2021, including thousands of anti-aircraft and anti-armored vehicle weapons. America has handed over patrol boats, helicopters, radar systems, guns, ammunition, secure communications equipment, and other combat gear in addition to humanitarian aid to Ukraine. At least 30 American allies have also provided lethal and less-than-lethal equipment and systems to Ukraine.
Also at the forum that was moderated by Professor Bill Pezza was Iryna Mazur, the honorary Philadelphia consul for Ukraine.
Mazur, who immigrated from Ukraine and is a Montgomery County immigration attorney, called Russia’s invasion of Ukraine a “genocide.”
Mazur said Ukraine was the cradle of modern western society and Russia has tried to challenge and stifle its culture and people for many years.
“The Ukrainian people always were free and they will be free,” she said.
Mazur said Putin wants to create another Soviet Union and challenge American leadership on the world stage. She added Putin is fighting against “freedom and democracy.”
“Ukrainians will not give up,” the honorary consul said.
The Russian government cannot be trusted and has lied to other nations numerous times, including about plans to invade Ukraine, Mazur said.
“I wouldn’t give a penny for any promises made by Putin,” Mazur said. “He is a madman and he is terrorizing entire world right now.”
The honorary consul called on NATO to join the fight to defend Ukraine.
“Every minute has incredible importance,” she said.
With millions of people displaced from their homes in Ukraine and three million fleeing to neighboring countries, James Fine, a relief worker and former Quaker international affairs representative, attempted to equate that to what it would be like if the war was in America.
The relief worker asked the audience to imagine 50 million Americans displaced, with 23 million people fleeing to Canada or Mexico.
“This is the largest displacement of people since World War II,” he said.
Dr. Joseph Gowaskie, former professor of history at Rider University and a retired U.S. Army colonel, said the war has so far shown the strength of Ukraine and its people.
He said one important item to note is that people in countries under Russian influence, like Belarus, are opposing the war and helping disrupt Russian military movements.
In addition to an in-person audience, about 100 people watched the forum on the war via Zoom.
See also:
Congressman Fitzpatrick Heading to Ukrainian Border
Congressman Calls for U.S. To Send ‘Clear Message’ After Russian Troops Enter Ukraine
Congressman Supports Bipartisan Effort To Ban Members From Trading Individual Stocks
Congressman
Fitzpatrick Releases Statement Following Biden Address on Afghanistan
Withdrawal
Congressman Fitzpatrick Elected Co-Chair of Bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus
