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press release
Chairman Wilson and RM Cohen Mark Third Annual Counter-Kleptocracy Month
Friday, June 16, 2023WASHINGTON—Today, Helsinki Commission Chairman Joe Wilson and Ranking Member Steve Cohen, Co-Chairmen of the Counter-Kleptocracy Caucus, marked the third annual Counter-Kleptocracy Month. “Foreign corruption and kleptocracy is the main reason that we face a full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine today. It is the way that the Islamic Republic of Iran sustains itself. It is the way that the Chinese Communist Party exerts its influence around the world. We need to ensure that western enablers and anonymous financial mechanisms are not providing our adversaries access to our systems and the ability to undermine democracy from within.” As with previous Counter-Kleptocracy Months, Caucus members plan to introduce multiple bipartisan bills to counter foreign corruption and kleptocracy. The work of the Caucus in the last Congress led to the passage of legislation to enable the transfer of recovered oligarch assets to Ukraine as well as an expansion of the anti-money laundering statute of limitations. The Caucus held multiple events and developed and introduced multiple bills to stem the influence of foreign corruption and kleptocracy. The Caucus recognizes the leadership of former Congressman Tom Malinowski, who founded the Caucus. We thank him for his work to close the corrupt loopholes that enable foreign influence to enter our system.
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press release
Helsinki Commission Chairman and Ranking Member Introduce Bill to Confiscate Russian Assets
Thursday, June 15, 2023Today, Helsinki Commission Chairman Representative Joe Wilson (SC-02) and Ranking Member Representative Steve Cohen (TN-09) introduced the bipartisan Rebuilding Economic Prosperity and Opportunity (REPO) for Ukrainians Act in the House of Representatives, alongside Rep. Michael McCaul (TX-10), Rep. Thomas Kean Jr. (NJ-21), Rep. Mike Quigley (IL-05), Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), and Rep. Marcy Kaptur (OH-09). The legislation has also been introduced in the Senate by Commissioner Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (RI) and Senator Jim Risch (ID). The bill authorizes the administration to confiscate Russian assets in the United States for Ukrainian reconstruction and calls on international allies to create a confiscation mechanism for assets stored in other countries. “Russia will foot the bill for its brutal war in Ukraine. We will use war criminal Putin’s own money to rebuild what he has ripped away from the Ukrainian people. It is common sense that Putin be the one to rebuild what he has destroyed,” said Chairman Joe Wilson. “Russia must be held accountable for its brutal and unprovoked war. This legislation will ensure that every cent of Russian money in western systems is made available to the Ukrainian people to remedy the horrific acts that Russia has inflicted upon them. It is a matter of basic justice that the perpetrator pays for their crimes,” said Ranking Member Steve Cohen. [View the legislation text by clicking the PDF icon above]
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press release
MICHAEL GEFFROY APPOINTED HELSINKI COMMISSION GENERAL COUNSEL
Thursday, June 15, 2023WASHINGTON—Rep. Joe Wilson (SC-02), Chairman of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, also known as the U.S. Helsinki Commission, today announced the appointment of Michael Geffroy as General Counsel to the Commission. “The Helsinki Commission welcomes Mr. Geffroy. His rich national security, legal, and military background, as well as his service at senior levels in the Congress, the Department of Justice, the Department of the Treasury, and in the private sector, make him uniquely qualified to advise the Commission as General Counsel.” said Chairman Joe Wilson. “Michael is a great addition to the Commission. His deep experience across legislative and executive branch roles will help inform our work to advance American interests and cooperation abroad,” added the Commission’s Executive Director Dr. Steven Schrage. “I am honored to join the Commission and work with Chairman Wilson, Co-Chairman Senator Benjamin Cardin, and Commission team,” said Geffroy. “With multiple global challenges and very real multi-faceted threats confronting the United States and our allies, this is a vital time for the Commission.” Mr. Geffroy has previously served in the Congress as the General Counsel to the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, as the Deputy Staff Director and Chief Counsel to the Committee on Homeland Security in the U.S. House of Representatives, and as the Deputy Special Counsel to the Select Bipartisan Committee to Investigate Preparation for and Response to Hurricane Katrina. Mr. Geffroy also served as an Assistant Director in the Office of Foreign Assets Control at the Department of the Treasury, as a Counselor to the Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division at the Department of Justice, and as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the District of Columbia. Mr. Geffroy is a veteran and Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve (ret). His more than 25 years of commissioned service includes tours with the First Marine Expeditionary Force in Afghanistan and Iraq. His first day at the Commission was June 5, 2023
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press release
COMMISSIONERS CALL ON WHITE HOUSE TO TRANSFER ATACMS TO UKRAINE
Friday, May 26, 2023WASHINGTON—Yesterday, members of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, also known as the U.S. Helsinki Commission, Chairman Representative Joe Wilson (SC-02), Ranking Member Representative Steve Cohen (TN-09) and Commissioner Representative Victoria Spartz (IN-05) sent a letter to President Biden, requesting he grants the transfer of MGM-140 Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) to Ukraine. In the letter, Commissioners thank the Administration for its beginning steps on getting F-16s to Ukrainian defenders and emphasize the importance of ATACMS on targeting Russian frontlines in occupied Ukraine as well as pushing back Russian supply chain systems which fuel their genocidal war. During the Commissioners’ recent trip to Ukraine and meeting with President Zelensky, ATACMS were requested for an immediate battlefield advantage. These powerful weapons could provide the advantage Ukraine needs to secure its freedom, and the only remaining hurdle to their delivery is the President’s approval. The letter reads: Dear President Biden, We urge you to send the MGM-140 Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) to Ukraine. From the very beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine requested ATACMS to defend and reclaim their homes in the face of the Kremlin’s genocidal war of conquest. This powerful weapon system would go a long way to ensuring full Ukrainian victory now, while helping deter future Russian threats against Ukraine, the wider region, and Europe as a whole. We thank the administration for beginning the process of getting F-16s to Ukraine, as these jet fighters will make a huge difference toward achieving full Ukrainian victory. On our recent trip to Ukraine, we heard how the Ukrainian army is holding its own against Russia in all areas except the sky. But long-range missiles are also necessary for victory. ATACMS would make an immediate battlefield difference for Ukraine. With an effective range of nearly 200 miles, virtually all major Russian units, naval assets, and strategic infrastructure in occupied Ukrainian territory would be within reach of precision strikes. This would not only help Ukraine degrade or destroy Russian weapons of war used to murder Ukrainian defenders and civilians but would also push Russian units and supply chains further from the front, dramatically complicating sustainment and their ability to continue prosecuting this genocidal war. The fewer supplies and arms that reach Russian forces, the less capable they are of holding Ukrainian territory and killing its people. ATACMS will save Ukrainian lives. Unlike many other weapons which require extensive training and long logistical chains, ATACMS are fired from widely used and available M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System(HIMARS) platform and could be fielded immediately. This is critical in Ukraine where time is of the essence. Ukraine must win as quickly as possible to prevent the needless loss of anymore courageous Ukrainians and to end the war in the only sustainable way: Ukrainian victory. Now that the United Kingdom has delivered Storm Shadow cruise missiles, there is no reason to withhold ATACMS from Ukraine. We must trust the Ukrainians to use our long-range missiles responsibly, just as our British allies have. The Ukrainians have shown repeatedly that they will use every weapon system responsibly and to maximum effect. Ukraine can win the war this year if the United States and our democratic allies transfer all weapons necessary. A defeat or even a military stalemate against Russia’s genocidal invasion would be a catastrophe for our national security and guarantee renewed Russian attacks on Ukraine and broader aggression in Europe. Once Ukraine has achieved victory on its terms, ATACMS, along with other long-range and advanced weapons, will be a primary means of deterring and constraining future Russian aggression. Russian forces will not be able to stage for a future invasion, or threaten the Black Sea region at will, under the shadow of Ukrainian long-range capabilities. We understand that there are concerns the United States does not have enough ATACMS to send to Ukraine. However, many democratic allies also possess ATACMS and forming an international coalition for the transfer of ATACMS, much like has been done with jets and tanks, could help alleviate these concerns. Moreover, the point of these weapons is to protect U.S. national security and the security of our allies, which Ukraine is currently doing alone. The transfer of our ATACMS is logical and urgent under these circumstances. Now that the decision has been made to send F-16s, now is the time to commit to Ukraine’s full victory and deliver all the tools needed. Nearly every weapon system requested by Ukraine has been delivered after intense pressure. Let us not wait for another pressure campaign to deliver ATACMS. In the spirit of proactivity, deterrence, and mindful of the innocent Ukrainian lives lost the longer Russia is allowed to continue its war, we urge your administration to send these war-winning weapons to Ukraine immediately. [Click on the PDF icon above to view the full letter]
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press release
HELSINKI COMMISSION COMMENDS WHITE HOUSE ALLOWING F-16 TRANSFERS TO UKRAINE FOLLOWING COMMISSIONERS’ CALL FOR ACTION
Friday, May 19, 2023WASHINGTON—Yesterday, members of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, also known as the U.S. Helsinki Commission, Chairman Representative Joe Wilson (SC-02), Ranking Member Representative Steve Cohen (TN-09) and Commissioner Representative Victoria Spartz (IN-05) sent a letter to President Biden, requesting he grant reexport licenses to Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway to allow for the transfer of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. In the letter, Commissioners reflect on recent meetings in Ukraine, where President Zelensky explained that F-16s would not only save Ukrainian lives but protect sea lanes that secure the world’s wheat supply. These powerful weapons could provide the advantage Ukraine needs to secure its freedom, and the only remaining hurdle to their delivery is the President’s approval. The letter reads: Dear President Biden, We urge you to grant reexport license to Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway to allow for the transfer of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. These countries have all expressed a willingness to transfer these powerful capabilities that are so critical to full Ukrainian victory. When our delegation traveled to Kyiv and met with President Volodymyr Zelensky the other week, he made the urgency clear. President Zelensky personally stressed that F-16 fighter jets are not only critical for saving Ukrainian lives, but are vital to protecting sea lanes for critical wheat shipments to Africa and the world. We have also been informed by European officials, including from the Netherlands, that the only remaining hurdle to urgent action on this F-16 reexport license is your approval. F-16s are badly needed in order for Ukraine to defend its skies against Russian aircraft and cruise missiles, which the Kremlin continues to employ to deliberately murder innocents, and gain air superiority to achieve durable battlefield successes. Ukraine has consistently requested these aircraft and they are now its highest priority request. We often hear that the United States strives to provide all the capabilities that our courageous Ukrainian partners request; now, we need only provide reexport license for our NATO allies to send these fighters. Only a few months ago, when Germany failed to grant reexport license for other countries to transfer its German-manufactured Leopard tanks, it faced heavy criticism from the democratic world. We do not want to impede Ukraine’s legitimate defense of its homeland and—as you have often correctly noted—its just war for Europe’s security, U.S. interests, and global peace. These fighter craft were specifically engineered and purchased by our allies in order to deter and defeat the threat of Russian aggression. Now, as Ukraine fights alone against Russia and endures the mass murder of its people, these weapons should be permitted to be made available to do what they were made to do: protect the democratic peoples of Europe. Denying reexport license is in direct opposition to the core reason for the purchase of these aircraft; posterity will rightfully judge us harshly if we were to arbitrarily block the transfer of important capabilities that could save Ukrainian lives and secure battlefield victory. F-16s are a powerful weapon that could very well make all the difference in Ukraine’s upcoming counteroffensive and provide the decisive advantage it needs to compel the Kremlin to abandon this genocidal war. The United States has pledged to ensure that Ukraine has all the tools it needs to defend us all against Russia’s aggression. Allowing the reexport of F-16s would not only be consistent with that obligation, but it also does not even require the United States to provide any airframes itself. Given the enormous stakes that you have so often and clearly articulated, allowing reexport is entirely in line with our national security interests, our human rights responsibilities, and is essentially costless. Click the pdf icon above for the full letter
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press release
CHAIRMAN WILSON LEADS BIPARTISAN DELEGATION TO GERMANY, POLAND, AND UKRAINE
Friday, May 12, 2023WASHINGTON—From May 1st to May 7th, Helsinki Commission Chairman Rep. Joe Wilson (SC-02) led a bipartisan U.S. delegation to Germany, Poland, and Ukraine to coordinate support for Ukraine and examine current wartime challenges. The delegation consulted with high-ranking government officials and civil society actors regarding ongoing military and humanitarian responses to the Russian invasion. Chairman Wilson was joined on the delegation by Helsinki Commission Ranking Member Rep. Steve Cohen (TN-09) and Commissioner Victoria Spartz (IN-05). “Friends of democracy are inspired by courageous Ukrainians capably supported by our appreciated western allies, like Germany and Poland, in the global competition between democracies with rule of law opposing authoritarians with rule of gun. “Ukraine must win this war against Russia’s brutal aggression — there is no alternative. Ukraine must be restored to its internationally recognized 1991 borders and integrated into NATO and other Euro-Atlantic institutions. The United States must work with its allies and partners to ensure that the leaders of the Russian Federation are held accountable. “Despite promises after World War II of ‘never again,’ today, in 2023, Russia is committing the very crimes that the International Military Tribunal in Nuremberg was created to address: the crime of aggression, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. As in Nuremberg, we must bring to justice the perpetrators of the genocide being carried out in Ukraine – including war criminal Putin himself,” said Chairman Wilson and Ranking Member Cohen. In Germany, the delegation met with high-level defense and foreign affairs officials to discuss Germany’s partnership in ensuring Ukrainian victory. In Berlin, the Commissioners met with National Security Advisor Jens Ploetner, Ministry of Foreign Affairs State Secretary Andreas Michaelis, and Ministry of Justice State Secretary Dr. Angelika Schlunck who provided assurances of sustained support for Ukraine. In a visit to the Nuremburg Palace of Justice, site of the Nuremberg trials, the delegation drew obvious parallels to accountability for Russia’s criminal aggression against Ukraine. After visiting Nuremberg, Lieutenant General Andrew Rohling welcomed the delegation to the 7th Army Grafenwoehr Training Area where Ukrainian troops are being trained. In Ukraine, the delegation visited Bucha and Kyiv joined by U.S. Ambassador to the Organization for Security and Cooperation Michael Carpenter and U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink. In Bucha, survivors testified to mass murder of civilians by Russian soldiers and the delegation paid homage to the victims. In Kyiv, the delegation met with Ukrainian children who had been taken to Russia and Russian-controlled areas of Ukraine as part of a Russian effort to erase their identity and forcibly assimilate them. Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov highlighted Ukraine’s military needs and mechanisms of accountability for international assistance. The delegation met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy who expressed the urgent need for F-16 fighter aircraft to defend his people and keep open sea-lanes for Ukrainian wheat vital to feeding Europe, Africa, and the world. President Zelenskyy expressed his deep gratitude to the United States for supporting Ukraine’s fight for freedom. In Poland, the delegation visited Rzeszów where Colonel Matt Braman and Colonel Kendall Clark briefed on the activities of the 10th Mountain Division. The delegation also met with the Polish border service and non-governmental organizations working near the border to prevent Ukrainian refugees from falling victim to human traffickers. Warsaw was the concluding stop for consultations with U.S. Ambassador Mark Brzezinski, Polish Deputy Foreign Minister Arkadiusz Mularczyk and OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights Director Matteo Mecacci. The delegation thanked Poland for supporting Ukraine and welcoming millions of Ukrainians who have fled Russian terror.
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press release
BIPARTISAN UKRAINE VICTORY RESOLUTION INTRODUCED IN HOUSE AND SENATE
Wednesday, April 26, 2023WASHINGTON— Yesterday, Chairman Rep. Joe Wilson (SC-02) and Ranking Member Rep. Steve Cohen (TN-09) introduced the Ukraine Victory Resolution in the House of Representatives. Commissioners Sen. Richard Blumenthal (CT) and Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (RI), along with Sen. Lindsey Graham (SC), introduced the resolution in the Senate. The resolution affirms that it is the policy of the United States to see Ukraine victorious against the Russian invasion, holds that the peace brought by victory must be secured by integrating Ukraine into NATO, and declares that the United States must work with its allies and partners to secure reparations, reconstruction, justice for Russian war crimes, and accountability for Russian leaders. “Ukrainian victory is the only path to peace. We must ensure that Ukraine is well-armed and outfitted so that the upcoming counteroffensive can meet expectations and Ukraine can win the war as quickly as possible. Ukrainian victory is good for U.S. national security and economic stability, denies Putin any reward for its invasion, and deters China and Iran. Ukraine’s existence depends on victory,” said Chairman Rep. Joe Wilson. “Ukrainian victory is also critical for the United States. Ukraine is preventing an incursion into NATO and demonstrating to autocrats that borders cannot be changed by force alone—a fundamental underpinning of the peaceful international system. The Ukrainian fight is our common fight. There is no alternative to victory,” said Ranking Member Rep. Steve Cohen. “Ukraine will win the war—and win the peace—if America continues its steadfast support as this resolution strongly states,” said Senator Blumenthal. “True victory means stopping Russia’s murderous assault, imposing accountability for crimes against humanity, and rebuilding Ukraine at Russia’s expense. To our NATO allies as well as Ukraine, our message must be that we’ll have your back in this fight for freedom and democracy—yours and ours together,” said Commissioner Sen. Richard Blumenthal. “This bipartisan, bicameral resolution says what we all know to be true – that Ukrainian victory is in the best interest of every democracy on earth,” said Senator Whitehouse. “Putin’s brutal war seeks to steal Ukraine’s land and its future. The United States and our allies have played, and should continue to play, a leading role in securing everything Ukraine needs to achieve victory and rebuild. I join my colleagues in sending a clear message to the people of Ukraine: we are with you to victory,” said Commissioner Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse. “I enthusiastically support the concept of victory for Ukraine, which is possible with aggressive Western help, particularly in the area of weapons. The Russian army has been dealt a severe blow. It is now time to go all in for victory for Ukraine. That means continuing to provide them the weapons they need to repel the Russian invaders, labeling Putin’s Russia a state sponsor of terrorism and lending our voice to holding Putin and his cronies accountable for war crimes committed on an industrial scale. Victory for Ukraine is possible, but we have to be all in,” said Sen. Lindsey Graham. Ukraine regained its independence in 1991 after three centuries of Moscow’s imperial rule. In 1994, the United States encouraged Ukraine to abandon its arsenal of nuclear weapons, the third largest in the world at the time, in exchange for security assurances in the Budapest Memorandum. The Ukrainians have had two revolutions since independence, the 2004 Orange Revolution and the 2014 Revolution of Dignity, demonstrating their commitment to shared ideals of democracy and freedom and their desire for Euro-Atlantic integration. In 2008, at the Bucharest NATO Summit, NATO states declared, “NATO welcomes Ukraine’s and Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations for membership in NATO. We agree today that these countries will become members of NATO.” Russia initially invaded Ukraine in 2014 and massively escalated its invasion in 2022. In 2022, the UN General Assembly called on member states to create a mechanism for reparations to be paid to Ukraine. In 2023, the United States issued a finding that Russian officials have committed crimes against humanity. Original cosponsors of the resolution in the House of Representatives also include: Mike Lawler (NY-17), Richard Hudson (NC-09), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Doug Lamborn (CO-05), Bill Pascrell (NJ-08), Maria Elvira Salazar (FL-27), Brendan Boyle (PA-02), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Deborah Ross (NC-02), Jim Costa (CA-21), David Trone (MD-06), Joe Morelle (NY-25), Susan Wild (PA-07), and Marcy Kaptur (OH-09). Click on the PDF icon above to view the resolution.
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hearing
CHURCH, STATE, AND RUSSIA’S WAR ON UKRAINE
Thursday, April 27, 2023The Putin regime has long used the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) to consolidate its power at home and abroad. Under the leadership of Patriarch Kirill, the ROC has explicitly endorsed Russia’s war on Ukraine, even blessing weapons for the invasion. Churches under the mantle of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) had long been viewed as actual or potential surveillance and influence outposts for the Putin regime, directly contributing to the official establishment of the independent Orthodox Church of Ukraine in 2019. Additionally, the Putin regime has exported its widespread internal persecution of non-ROC-affiliated Christians to the territories it occupies in Ukraine. This hearing will assess Putin’s political control over ROC institutions and the implications for Ukraine’s religious and political culture. Relatedly, panelists will speak to harassment and denial of religious freedoms in territories occupied by Russia. Witnesses will also testify to how religious institutions, churches, and individual Christians have supported Ukraine in wartime and the future of church-state relations within Ukraine. His Beatitude Epiphaniy, Metropolitan of Kyiv and All Ukraine, will give opening remarks. Related information: Witness Biographies
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press release
Press Advisory: Supporting Ukrainian Victory
Friday, April 21, 2023The U.S. Helsinki Commission invites you to join Members of Congress and hundreds of Ukrainian-Americans for a press conference following the introduction of the Ukraine Victory Resolution in the House of Representatives. The resolution affirms that it is U.S. policy to ensure Ukraine is able to retain sovereignty over its internationally-recognized borders, to pursue justice and reparations for Ukraine to help facilitate reconstruction, and to integrate Ukraine into Euro-Atlantic institutions like NATO, consistent with U.S. policy since 2008. Speakers will lay out a bold foreign policy vision for Ukrainian victory against Russia’s aggression. Date: Tuesday, April 25th, 2023 Time: 2:00PM Location: U.S. Capitol, House Triangle Participants: Rep. Joe Wilson, Chairman of the Helsinki Commission Rep. Steve Cohen, Ranking Member of the Helsinki Commission Razom for Ukraine + Others
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press release
HEARING: CHURCH, STATE, AND RUSSIA’S WAR ON UKRAINE
Thursday, April 20, 2023HEARING: CHURCH, STATE, AND RUSSIA’S WAR ON UKRAINE Thursday, April 27, 2023 1:00 pm Room: Rayburn 2020 WASHINGTON— The Putin regime has long used the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) to consolidate its power at home and abroad. Under the leadership of Patriarch Kirill, the ROC has explicitly endorsed Russia’s war on Ukraine, even blessing weapons for the invasion. Churches under the mantle of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) had long been viewed as actual or potential surveillance and influence outposts for the Putin regime, directly contributing to the official establishment of the independent Orthodox Church of Ukraine in 2019. Additionally, the Putin regime has exported its widespread internal persecution of non-ROC-affiliated Christians to the territories it occupies in Ukraine. This hearing will assess Putin’s political control over ROC institutions and the implications for Ukraine’s religious and political culture. Relatedly, panelists will speak to harassment and denial of religious freedoms in territories occupied by Russia. Witnesses will also testify to how religious institutions, churches, and individual Christians have supported Ukraine in wartime and the future of church-state relations within Ukraine. His Beatitude Epiphaniy, Metropolitan of Kyiv and All Ukraine, will give opening remarks. The following witnesses are scheduled to participate: 1. The Most Reverend Yevstratiy (Zoria), Metropolitan of Bila Tserkva 2. The Most Reverend Borys Gudziak, Archbishop of Philadelphia of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church 3. Rev. Dr. Igor Bandura, Vice President of International Affairs for the Baptist Union of Ukraine
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press release
Helsinki Commission Leadership Condemns Sentencing of Vladimir Kara-Murza
Monday, April 17, 2023WASHINGTON— Following the sentencing of statesman and outspoken Kremlin critic Vladimir Kara-Murza to 25 years in a Russian prison for speaking the truth, Helsinki Commission Chairman Representative Joe Wilson (SC-02), Co-Chairman Senator Ben Cardin (MD), Ranking Member Representative Steve Cohen (TN-09), and Ranking Member Senator Roger Wicker (MS) issued the following joint statement: “We learned today of Vladimir Kara-Murza’s sentencing not only with outrage at Russia’s widening persecution of political dissidents, but also real sadness. A longtime friend of the Commission, Kara-Murza has been a stalwart voice against Putin since the late 90s, sounding a warning that too few heeded. From his advocacy for the Magnitsky Act to his condemnation of Russia’s war against Ukraine, Kara-Murza has been clear that Russia will not be able to emerge from its current darkness until it confronts the crimes of its past and present. Generations of his own family suffered political persecution in the Soviet Union. Yet even in prison, with increasingly frail health, he has never recanted; rather, he has doubled down on his assertion that Russia will someday be free. Kara-Murza, too, will be free. Until then, we will do everything we can to support him and his family.” Russian authorities arrested Vladimir Kara-Murza outside his apartment in Moscow in April 2022. While in pre-trial detention, he was charged with discrediting the Russian military; later, treason charges were added. He was sentenced to 25 years in prison on April 17. Since his imprisonment, Kara-Murza’s health, already a concern due to the aftereffects of two near-fatal poisonings in 2015 and 2017, has deteriorated.
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statement
Helsinki Commission Leadership Welcomes Finland to NATO
Tuesday, April 04, 2023Following the formal entry of Finland as the 31st member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) on April 4, Helsinki Commission Chairman Representative Joe Wilson (SC-2), Co-Chairman Senator Ben Cardin (MD), Ranking Member Representative Steve Cohen (TN-09), and Ranking Member Senator Roger Wicker (MS) issued the following joint statement: “We are pleased to welcome Finland to the Atlantic Alliance as an immediate contributor to the security of our entire region. Finland has long played a positive role in global peace and stability; its full membership in NATO further strengthens the Alliance’s ability to defend against aggression and project stability at a time when European security is under direct attack by Russia. “We also look forward to the rapid completion of ongoing processes which will result in Sweden’s NATO membership and appeal to the governments of Turkey and Hungary to expedite their endorsements of Sweden’s application.” In response to Russian aggression against Ukraine and the region, in the spring of 2022 Finland and Sweden reversed long-held foreign policy choices to move decisively towards NATO membership. Finland’s accession process has culminated in membership, with the assent of all Allies; Sweden’s application remains subject to objections from two NATO member States.
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press release
HELSINKI COMMISSION LEADERSHIP CONDEMNS RUSSIA’S ARREST OF AMERICAN JOURNALIST EVAN GERSHKOVICH
Monday, April 03, 2023WASHINGTON— Following the arrest of American journalist Evan Gershkovich in Russia, Helsinki Commission Chairman Representative Joe Wilson (SC-2), Co-Chairman Senator Ben Cardin (MD), Ranking Member Representative Steve Cohen (TN-09), and Ranking Member Senator Roger Wicker (MS) issued the following joint statement: “Russia has yet again used a fabricated criminal case as an excuse to take an American citizen hostage. The arrest of Evan Gershkovich is an outrageous attack on his person and his profession. It has long been dangerous to be a journalist in Russia, particularly for those dedicated to reporting the truth. Putin has developed an architecture of internal oppression and external aggression that has created nothing but moral decay. “As with Russia’s hostages Paul Whelan, Marc Fogel, and Vladimir Kara-Murza, we will remember Evan Gershkovich throughout this ordeal and will not be silent until he is released.” Evan Gershkovich, a correspondent with the Wall Street Journal working out of Moscow, was detained on a work trip in Yekaterinburg on March 29. He has been accused of espionage and faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted. Gershkovich is currently being held in pre-trial detention for an indeterminate amount of time before what will likely be a closed trial. He has reported from Russia since 2017.
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press release
Steven Schrage Appointed Helsinki Commission Executive Director
Friday, March 24, 2023WASHINGTON—Rep. Joe Wilson (SC-02), Chairman of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, also known as the U.S. Helsinki Commission, today announced the appointment of Dr. Steven P. Schrage as Helsinki Commission Executive Director. “The Helsinki Commission welcomes Dr. Steven Schrage to its already impressive team. His rich foreign policy experiences and academia background with the State Department, White House, Congress, Duke, Harvard, Cambridge University, Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) as well as other institutions, make him uniquely qualified to lead the Commission as Executive Director. “I welcome Steven’s ideas and insights to further compliment the Commission’s mission, and look forward to working closely with him,” said Chairman Joe Wilson. “I am honored to join Chairman Wilson’s Helsinki Commission team and help support his long and impressive work to advance American interests and cooperation abroad,” said Schrage. “With the largest war in Europe since World War II and new global challenges facing America and our allies, there has never been a more critical time for the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe’s mission.” Schrage has previously served as Co-Chair of the G8’s Crime and Terrorism Group and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, where he oversaw over $2 billion in global assistance and operations and over 2000 personnel after 9/11. Beginning days after the start of Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Schrage spent much of the last year volunteering and researching border and human security challenges on the Ukraine-Poland border. He also served in the executive branch as a Senior Advisor in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, and as the Foreign Policy Director and in other headquarters policy roles for major presidential campaigns. Schrage has considerable Congressional experience as a Senate Chief of Staff, International Trade Counsel for the Ways and Means Committee, and on the policy team of the Speaker of the House. His first day at the Commission was March 13, 2023
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press release
Helsinki Commission Leadership Statement on Georgian foreign agent law
Monday, March 06, 2023WASHINGTON—In response to news that the Georgian parliament is considering Russian-style foreign agent legislation, which would have a chilling effect on Georgia’s vibrant civil society, Helsinki Commission Chairman Representative Joe Wilson (SC-2), Co-Chairman Senator Ben Cardin (MD), Ranking Member Representative Steve Cohen (TN-09), and Ranking Member Senator Roger Wicker (MS) issued the following joint statement: “Since regaining independence, the Georgian people have clearly and consistently chosen to be part of the democratic, Euro-Atlantic community. However, the antidemocratic, Russian-style foreign agent law would be, if enacted, a rebuke to the Georgian people’s EU and NATO aspirations and underscore the rapid decline of Georgian democracy. It would also demonstrate the present government’s increasing embrace of Russia—the same country that occupies 20 percent of Georgian territory, kidnaps its citizens, disregards its sovereignty, and wages a genocidal war against Ukraine. “This bill as well as the ongoing democratic decline, including the jailing of political opponents, is an attack on our strategic partnership and the Georgian people’s Western choice. Since 1991, the United States has been a firm and untiring friend to the Georgian people. This will not change, regardless of the government’s position. In the spirit of that friendship, we call on the Georgian government to reject the proposed legislation and renew its commitment to democracy.”
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hearing
Countering Russia's Terroristic Mercenaries
Thursday, March 09, 2023The notorious Wagner Group, a Russian mercenary network, is known to have conducted predatory and terroristic activities since 2014, including in Ukraine, Mali, Sudan, and the Central African Republic. Its actions in the service of Kremlin political interests have been characterized by deliberate violations of human rights and atrocities, including heinous acts of violence against civilians, killings, kidnappings, torture, human trafficking and threatening of journalists. The Wagner Group has also received weapons from North Korea, a designated State Sponsor of Terrorism, for its operations in Ukraine. As a response to the terroristic actions of the Wagner Group, Members of the House and Senate have introduced the Holding Accountable Russian Mercenaries (HARM) Act (H.R. 506/S. 416), bipartisan legislation that would require the Secretary of State to designate the Russian-based Wagner Group (and its affiliates and successors) as a foreign terrorist organization (FTO). At this hearing, witnesses responded to questions posed by a bipartisan group of Representatives and Senators, evaluating the most effective tools to counter the Wagner Group and its affiliates – including potential FTO designation through the HARM Act. Helsinki Commission Chairman Rep. Joe Wilson (SC-02) opened the hearing with a powerful statement condemning the Wagner Group, highlighting the atrocities they commit using the resources of the Kremlin: “The Wagner Group has spread terror far and wide, committing acts of political violence resulting in the massacre of thousands of civilians in mass atrocities, as in Bucha in Ukraine and Moura in Mali. Wherever Wagner goes, atrocities are soon to follow.” The chairman displayed a fragment of a Wagner SU-24M that was shot down over Bakhmut, Ukraine, demonstrating a “concrete example of the murderous power of this organization. Can you imagine a supersonic tactical bomber being controlled by terrorists?” The chairman asked witnesses whether an FTO designation for Wagner Group would automatically lead to a state sponsor of terrorism designation for Russia, how an FTO designation would empower lawyers to prosecute Wagner terrorists, and how Wagner operates in service of Putin’s interests. Justyna Gudzowska, Director of Illicit Finance Policy, The Sentry, outlined a brief history of the Wagner Group’s growth since 2014, the numerous atrocities they commit in different countries, and how the group advances Putin’s agenda globally. “Russia has been steadily expanding its influence with the help of the Wagner Group, leaving a trail of death and devastation around the world. In addition to Ukraine, Wagner has deployed to other trouble spots – Syria, Sudan, Libya, the Central African Republic, Mozambique, Mali. It may seem that since invading Ukraine, Russia has been increasingly isolated as a global pariah, but in Africa the Wagner Group has continued to project Russian influence.” She urged Congress and the administration to “implement the toughest economic tools the United States government has at its disposal to counter the Wagner threat and choke off the group’s resources, while minimizing negative impacts on civilians in fragile countries where Wagner operates.” Jason Blazakis, Director, Middlebury Institute of International Studies (MIIS) Center on Terrorism, Extremism, and Counterterrorism (CTEC) and Senior Fellow, Soufan Center drew from his State Department experience to explain why the Wagner Group qualifies for an FTO designation. He also detailed the practical implications an FTO designation would have on curbing the Wagner’s activities. “There is no question that the Wagner Group meets the legal criteria set forth in the Immigration and Nationality Act.” Blazakis outlined that an FTO designation would allow the U.S. to prosecute members and financial backers of the Wagner Group; it would give prosecutors extraterritorial jurisdiction; and it would limit Wagner Group’s success recruiting fighters. Jason Wright, Partner, Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle LLP and chair of its Economic Sanctions and Trade Control Committee and National Security Law Practice Committee described that an FTO designation would empower the U.S. justice system to effectively target the Wagner Group, help the U.S. and other countries enforce the rule of law, coordinate interagency deterrence actions, and give U.S. diplomats more leverage to isolate the group. “Members, in my opinion, the global war on terrorism is not over. We have simply started a new chapter. A new threat has emerged.” Commissioner Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (NH) expressed her support for designating the Wagner Group an FTO declaring: “I am convinced, on the foreign terrorist designation. I’m a co-sponsor of legislation in the Senate that’s bipartisan that would do that. I think the sooner we do it, the better.” The senator inquired about the rifts between the Wagner Group and the Russian Ministry of Defense (MOD), the group’s troubling recruiting practices, and how best to counter Wagner’s disinformation operations. Commissioner Rep. Victoria Spartz (IN-05) asked the witnesses about the Wagner Group’s potential activity in Mexico and Central America, its actions that threaten U.S. national security, possible links to China, using an FTO designation to close existing sanctions loopholes, and analyzing Wagner’s propaganda campaigns. Commissioner Sen. Whitehouse (RI) expressed his support for the HARM Act, saying: “we are pushing for a date for a vote with Leader Schumer on the designation of the Wagner Group as a foreign terrorist organization…We just were in Kyiv not long ago. And one of our big takeaways is this really needed to be done. And so I hope it will be shortly.” He posed questions to the witnesses on how “financial institutions, lawyers, company formation agents, and other enablers facilitate” Wagner’s crimes, whether there is consensus among partners on an FTO designation, and the importance of identifying and choking off Wagner’s revenue streams. Commissioner Sen. Richard Blumenthal (CT) added to Sen. Whitehouse’s comments that the Senate expects to vote on the HARM Act “if not next week, hopefully very, very soon.” He also asked witnesses about how enforceable and effective an FTO designation for Wagner Group would be: “I think in getting a vote, it helps to say: This is going to have real impact, because it will be enforced.” Commissioner Rep. Mike Lawler (NY-17) asked witnesses if the Wagner Group’s activities have spilled over into former soviet countries, how the U.S. should respond to North Korea’s military aid to Wagner Group and the prospect of Chinese military aid to Russia, and what specific tools an FTO designation would give the U.S. to target the Wagner Group and hold enablers and bad actors accountable. Ranking Member Rep. Steve Cohen (TN-09) expressed his frustration with the State Department’s hesitancy to declare Russia’s war on Ukraine a genocide and to designate the Wagner Group an FTO, saying: “Sometimes the State Department needs a … strong kick in the rear. And that’s what this bill …[is] trying to do.” Ranking Member Cohen asked the witnesses to explain the cause of the State Department’s inaction, discuss other problematic Russian private military companies, and analyze the future role the Wagner Group’s leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, may play in Russia’s war on Ukraine. Witnesses responded to questions emphasizing that labeling the Wagner group a FTO would not automatically lead to a state sponsor of terrorism designation for Russia. They also remarked that an FTO designation would make it much easier to successfully prosecute Wagner fighters and supporters, as it has successfully curbed ISIS and Al Qaeda in the past. An FTO designation would close sanctions loopholes, and deter current and would-be supporters of the organization. Related information Witness Biographies
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press release
HEARING: COUNTERING RUSSIA’S TERRORISTIC MERCENARIES
Friday, March 03, 2023HEARING: COUNTERING RUSSIA’S TERRORISTIC MERCENARIES Thursday, March 9, 2023 10:00am Room: Rayburn 2020 Streaming: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YuZK-A3YtQ WASHINGTON— The notorious Wagner Group, a Russian mercenary network, is known to have conducted predatory and terroristic activities since 2014, including in Ukraine, Mali, Sudan, and the Central African Republic. Its actions in the service of Kremlin political interests have been characterized by deliberate violations of human rights and atrocities, including heinous acts of violence against civilians, killings, kidnappings, torture, human trafficking and threatening of journalists. The Wagner Group has also received weapons from North Korea, a designated State Sponsor of Terrorism, for its operations in Ukraine. As a response to the terroristic actions of the Wagner Group, Members of the House and Senate have introduced the Holding Accountable Russian Mercenaries (HARM) Act (H.R. 506/S. 416), bipartisan legislation that would require the Secretary of State to designate the Russian-based Wagner Group (and its affiliates and successors) as a foreign terrorist organization (FTO). At this hearing, witnesses will evaluate the most effective tools to counter the Wagner Group and its affiliates – including potential FTO designation through the HARM Act. The following witnesses are scheduled to participate: 1. Justyna Gudzowska, Director of Illicit Finance Policy, The Sentry; former lead sanctions lawyer at Morgan Stanley, former attorney-advisor for the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and former expert on ISIS and Al-Qaida for the UN Security Council. 2. Jason Blazakis, Director, Middlebury Institute of International Studies (MIIS) Center on Terrorism, Extremism, and Counterterrorism (CTEC); Senior Fellow, Soufan Center and Senior Advisor, Soufan Group; former Director of the Counterterrorism Finance and Designations Office, Bureau of Counterterrorism, U.S. Department of State. 3. Jason Wright, Partner, Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle LLP and chair of its Economic Sanctions and Trade Control Committee and National Security Law Practice Committee; former Army judge advocate (JAG) with tours in Germany, Iraq, and Guantanamo Bay; current Army Reserve JAG assigned as Assistant Professor of Law at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point; former adjunct Professor of Law at Georgetown University Law Center and the Washington and Lee University School of Law.