NH’s Sens. Shaheen, Hassan Support Biden Sanctions Against Russia

The Seacoast's Democratic congressional delegation came out in support of Ukraine and President Joe Biden's sanctions against Russia.

In a speech on Tuesday, Biden called out Russian President Vladmir Putin for starting what he called an "invasion" as he doled out sanctions against the country and "Russian elites" and their families.

The sanctions include blocking sanctions on two large Russian financial institutions: V.E.B. and their military bank. Biden also cut off Russia’s government from Western financing and promised additional sanctions if Putin moves forward with the invasion.

"Who in the Lord's name does Putin think gives him the right to declare new so-called countries on territory that belonged to his neighbors? This is a flagrant violation of international law and demands a firm response from the international community," Biden said.

At the same time Biden promised that while "defending freedom" will come at some economic cost for the west, he will take actions "to make sure the pain of our sanctions is targeted at the Russian economy, not ours."

Shaheen in Poland

Sen Jeanne Shaheen is with a Senate delegation in Poland discussing Russia's aggression with Polish officials including President Andrzej Duda. She said Putin would pay a hefty price for further invading Ukraine.

"I applaud Germany for halting the certification of Nord Stream 2, a geopolitical tool I’ve long opposed because it would enable Putin to manipulate the energy supply and security of Europe," Shaheen said in a tweet.

"Putin’s efforts to divide NATO have only strengthened the transatlantic alliance. Glad @POTUS is heeding my calls and others’ to impose sanctions. Congress must explore new avenues to provide military assistance so Ukraine can defend itself," Shaheen wrote.

Shaheen is chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Europe and Regional Security Cooperation, and a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Sen. Maggie Hassan also tweeted her support of the sanctions.

"Ukraine is a sovereign, democratic nation, and the United States and our allies will not tolerate Vladmir Putin's foolhardy attempts to rebuild a Soviet empire. Despite Putin's rhetoric, his invasion of Ukraine is a grave miscalculation and will be met with crippling consequences for Russia and its economy," Hassan tweeted.

Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com or via Twitter @DanAlexanderNH