February 24, 2022 - WASHINGTON -  Rep. Jim Costa (CA-16) released the following statement after it was confirmed Russian forces invaded Ukraine: 
  
Vladimir Putin’s decision to launch an unprovoked invasion in Ukraine is totally unjustified and will carry deep and significant consequences throughout the world. Having participated for the past two days in a NATO conference with 30 countries, I can say there is total unity among democratic nations. We are committed to standing together to protect our values and sovereignty as independent nations.    
  
President Biden is working with Congress and members of NATO to speak with one voice against Putin’s aggression.  As a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Co-Chair of the Transatlantic Legislators' Dialogue, I will do everything in my power to assist my European counterparts on a strategy that will protect our common interests.    
  
I am deeply saddened for the people of Ukraine during this incredibly difficult time. We must stand together with our allies to stop Putin from destabilizing and dividing Europe. He clearly wants to end America’s leadership in the world and dim the light that democracies share. We cannot let that happen. 

Rep. Costa sits on the House Foreign Affairs Committee where he also sits on the Europe, Eurasia, Energy, and Environment Subcommittee. He also co-chairs the Transatlantic Legislators' Dialogue with a Member of the European Parliament, Radosław Sikorski. Rep. Costa recently attended a Congressional Delegation trip to NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium to be briefed with members of Congress and European allies on the situation in Ukraine. Rep. Costa is willing to make himself available for media interviews in the coming days as the situation in Ukraine continues to unfold, and discuss how U.S. lawmakers are responding. 
Source: Congressman Jim Costa