Newark, N.J. – US Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J), senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations, issued the following statement in observance of Ukraine’s 26th anniversary of independence.

“Twenty-six years ago, the Ukrainian people established themselves as an independent republic by declaring their will to live free from Soviet rule. I am proud today to join the thousands of Ukrainian-Americans across New Jersey and the United States in celebrating their Independence Day as well as to honor their cultural heritage and contributions to the United States."

“With Russia’s recent aggressions and attempts to reassert to an old order in which autocratic leaders have no respect for national borders or international order, the United States must not waiver in our commitment in support of democratic reforms and freedom for the people of Ukraine and their hope for a future free of Russian expansionism. As a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, I will continue my work to protect and promote our nation's valuable relationship with Ukraine."

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