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Putin announces military operation in Ukraine

In a televised address, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced his country's military offensive in Ukraine early Thursday.

AP

The Bluegrass State is more than 5,000 miles from Ukraine, but Russia's overnight invasion of the European country still sent shockwaves through the commonwealth.

Several members of Kentucky's congressional delegation and other local political figures weighed in Thursday morning in the hours after the attack was launched on Ukraine, which has a population of about 44 million and had traditionally been seen as a buffer between Russia and NATO-aligned European nations to its west.

Gov. Andy Beshear, in a video address posted Thursday morning to social media, warned that while Kentuckians would not be called upon to fight in the conflict, its impact would be felt in other ways back home higher gas prices are likely, for instance, he said.

From USA TODAY: Russia declares war, launches attack in Ukraine

"This is a small price to pay to stop this act of aggression, though I understand we will all feel it," Beshear said."What I'd ask is that this be a time of unity. This should be a reminder that we have real enemies overseas that want to harm us and others, and that we are not each other's enemies. It's time for America to be united, every single one of us, against this external threat."

Reactions weren't limited to Kentucky's governor.

Sen. Mitch McConnell, who serves as the U.S. Senate Minority Leader, said during a Thursday press conference in Kentucky that the withdrawal from Afghanistan last year sent a signal that "America is in retreat" and was "an invitation" to autocrats like Russian President Vladimir Putin to take action against foreign nations they consider to be enemies.

Serious action, McConnell added, should be taken against Russia.

"We're all together at this point and we need to be together about what should be done," McConnell said. "But I have some advice ratchet the sanctions all the way up. Don't hold any back. Every single available tough sanction should be employed and should be employed now."

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Sen. Rand Paul, a Republican who has repeatedly called for the U.S. to stay out of foreign conflicts that don't directly impact the nation, said the invasion "will further isolate Russia and lead to a pariah status not seen since the Cold War ended."

Congressional representatives from around the commonwealth also weighed in.

Rep. Andy Barr, who represents parts of Central and Eastern Kentucky and is a member ofthe House Foreign Affairs Committee, said the invasion "represents a naked attempt to re-litigate the terms of the endof the Cold War" and placed blame on President Joe Biden's "weak and feckless foreign policy" in a statement.

He called on the administration to impose additional sanctions against Russia and to provide additional Foreign Military Financing and arms sales to Ukraine.

Rep. John Yarmuth, who represents Louisville, wrote that he is praying for peace and for the people of Ukraine, describing the invasion as "an undeniable and unprovoked act of war against an independent, sovereign nation."

"The entire world must stand together in opposition to such evil," he wrote.

Rep. Thomas Massie, who represents Northern Kentucky, on Wednesday signed a bipartisan letter "to remind the President that Congress alone has the authority to declare war" but had not publicly commented further as of Thursday afternoon.

Rep. Hal Rogers, who represents Eastern Kentucky as well as southern portions of the commonwealth, tweeted Thursday afternoon that "Putins brazen strikes on Ukraine are an international breach of peace and an evil attempt to extend his reach of power."

"I firmly condemn this deadly attack and I pray for Gods protection over the people of Ukraine, as well as added strength in their defense," Rogers tweeted. "The United States must be bold in holding Russia accountable and thwart Putins unjustified aggression against a sovereign nation."

Rep. Brett Guthrie, who represents portions of Central and Western Kentucky, called the invasion "unlawful & indefensible" in a Twitter post and called on Biden to take action "by restoring American energy independence and protecting Americans from surging energy prices."

And Rep. James Comer, who represents much of Western Kentucky, condemned Putin and the invasion in a statement Thursday as well, saying he supported sanctions against Russia.

"In the battle between freedom and tyranny, freedom must always win," Comer wrote."Our prayers are with the people of Ukraine, our servicemen and women overseas, and all Americans left in Ukraine.

This story has beenupdated.

Lucas Aulbach can be reached at laulbach@courier-journal.com, 502-582-4649 or on Twitter @LucasAulbach.

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Kentucky politicians react to 'undeniable and unprovoked act of war' in Ukraine - Courier Journal