WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, as Russia’s unlawful and violent invasion of Ukraine continues, Senator Rick Scott released the below statement calling on government at every level, and every American citizen, to take action that cuts U.S. support for Russia. Senator Scott has been clear that the United States must do everything possible to cut all ties with Russia, destroy its economy and levy crippling sanctions on Vladimir Putin and his thugs in the oligarchy.

Senator Rick Scott said, “America must always unapologetically stand on the side of freedom, in support of the world's democracies and against the threats posed by tyranny. Putin’s unjustifiable and unlawful invasion of Ukraine has violated the sovereignty of a free country and American partner. This is a blatant act of war and must be treated as such. No lobbyist should be working on behalf of Putin’s evil regime or those supporting it and no business should continue to do business with Russian organizations. Government at every level across the United States, and every American citizen, has a role to play in fighting against Russia’s tyranny. Here is what must immediately be done:

• The U.S. must continue its work with our allies and partners to destroy the Russian economy and levy devastating sanctions against the Russian oligarchy and Putin’s thugs and cronies both in and outside of the Kremlin.
• The U.S. must supply Ukraine with every weapon needed and continue to work with our allies and partners to deliver resources to Ukraine’s military and the Ukrainian people. America must also prioritize and increase our own defense spending to ensure maximum military readiness. Now is not the time for weakness or any compromise of America's national defense abilities. 
• The U.S. must immediately ban Russian aircraft from using American airspace.
• The Biden administration must immediately roll-back its failed Green New Deal policies, take action to boost U.S. energy production and independence, like restarting the Keystone XL pipeline, and stop purchasing oil and other energy resources from Russia.
• All lobbyists currently working with the Russian government, Russian oligarchs or other Russian interests, as well as anyone representing countries who refuse to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and/or are aiding and abetting Russia’s attempts to evade sanctions should immediately cancel their contracts. It is inexcusable for any American to be lobbying on behalf of the Putin’s evil regime or those supporting it.
• All state and local governments should take every action possible to end relationships with the Russian governments at both the federal and local level, as well as with Russian owned businesses. A number of states and local governments have already taken this step and we applaud their leadership.
• Every American should take care to not purchase Russian-made products and every retailer should commit to not sell Russian-made products. Just like with Communist China, buying products made in Russia will only fuel Putin’s war. One of the best tools America has at its disposal is our ability to destroy the Russian economy and inflict maximum pain on Putin and his oligarch thugs.

“We should be clear here: the many hardworking Russian-American people living and raising families across our nation are not to blame for Putin’s evil war. Now is a time for all Americans to come together in defense of freedom and democracy. American leadership is needed now more than ever and taking these steps now is how we as a nation stand up against evil. Until this conflict is over, supporting Ukraine, and making this horrific war as painful as possible for Putin and his evil regime, must be our top focus.”

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