The Georgian Association in the United States strongly condemns Russia’s unprovoked and unjust full-scale invasion of Ukraine and calls on the United States and democracies around the world to continue pressure and action in support of the Ukrainian people in their brave fight for their territorial integrity, sovereignty, independence, and democracy. We commiserate with the suffering of the Ukrainian people and others who have made Ukraine their home.
Georgia has firsthand experience in facing a Russian invasion and continued occupation of its internationally recognized territories, with long-term humanitarian, political, economic, social, and security consequences. The Russian assault on Ukraine reaffirms the Kremlin’s belief that its neighbors like Ukraine and Georgia do not have the right to national sovereignty and to pursue the democratic future they desire. Given Russia’s repressive and authoritarian government, Putin views flourishing democracies around Russia’s borders as threats to his regime. Thus, left undeterred, this aggression represents a threat to all of Europe and the many democratic gains since the collapse of the former Soviet Union.
The United States and its allies in the West must confront this threat from Russia with the seriousness that it deserves. We should not allow Moscow to create another protracted conflict in the region, with hundreds of thousands of displaced persons, disrupted economy, and hopes for democracy shattered as they have done in Georgia. We call on the United States to reflect on lessons from the Russian invasion of Georgia in 2008 and do what it can to stand up to Moscow’s attempt to suppress the democratic aspirations of its neighbor.
Below are some resources on how you can support the people of Ukraine in their fight for their country’s independence and democratic future.
- Attend Upcoming Rallies and Events
- Write and Call Your Elected Officials to let them know why Ukraine matters and why supporting it is in the U.S. national interest.
- Donate to Various Non-Profit Organizations
Strength is in Unity! (ძალა ერთობაშია!)
– The Board of Directors, The Georgian Association in the United States