Congressman Eliot Engel sent a letter to Secretary Kerry urging the State Department to speak out strongly against Russian strong arm tactics aimed at its neighbors seeking closer ties to Europe. 

“I am calling on the State Department to speak out strongly against recent attempts by Russia to prevent Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, Armenia, and others from strengthening their economic and political ties with Europe,” the letter reads.

In his letter, Congressman urged Secretary Kerry to continue to support the aspirations of the peoples of the region to build strong and prosperous democracies within Europe.

“Russia’s campaign of intimidation and pressure blatantly violates the fundamental sovereignty and independence of these countries. Each nation has the right to form its own partnerships, in keeping with its interests and values. I join members of the European Parliament, who passed a resolution to this effect last week, in deploring recent Russian actions, and I urge Secretary Kerry to continue to support the aspirations of the peoples of the region to build strong and prosperous democracies within Europe.”