NORFOLK, Va. — Since Russia began its attack on Ukraine, leaders that represent Hampton Roads and Virginia as a whole have condemned the invasion.
Russian troops launched their anticipated attack on Ukraine on Thursday, as President Vladimir Putin warned other countries that any attempt to interfere would lead to “consequences you have never seen," the Associated Press reports.
Later Thursday morning, Gov. Glenn Youngkin called the attack senseless and unprovoked.
"We must hold Russia accountable," he wrote on Twitter. "And we pray for the Ukrainian people and for peace."
U.S. Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) said Russia will "pay a steep cost for Putin’s reckless ambition."
“For more than 70 years, we have avoided large-scale war in Europe," Warner said in a statement. "With his illegal invasion of Ukraine, Vladimir Putin has tragically brought decades of general peace to an end. Now the U.S. and our NATO allies must stand united and resolute against Putin’s efforts to renew the Russian empire at the expense of the Ukrainian people."
Warner is the chairman of the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, which oversees the U.S. government's intelligence activities and programs.
U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) tweeted Thursday morning condemning the Russian attack.
"America’s commitment to Ukraine is absolute and has the steadfast, bipartisan support of Congress," Kaine wrote. "Make no mistake: Russia’s aggression will continue to have significant consequences, including through additional crippling economic sanctions."
U.S. Rep. Elaine Luria, who represents parts of Hampton Roads, said the United States and its allies stand with Ukraine.
"Russia’s violation of Ukraine’s territorial sovereignty and its continued aggression must be met with swift, unprecedented, and devastating consequences from the United States and our international partners," Luria said in a statement.
U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott expressed his support for President Joe Biden's additional sanctions against Russia, which were announced Thursday afternoon.
"We must remain steadfast in our support of Ukraine and remain resolved to ensure Russia is isolated from the world and economically and diplomatically weakened if it continues down this destructive path in violation of international law," Scott said in a statement.
U.S. Rep. Donald McEachin quote tweeted President Joe Biden's statement on the invasion, saying that he is praying for "the proud people of Ukraine during this dark hour."