WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Senate passed bipartisan legislation to provide economic aid to Ukraine.  Following passage, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) released the following statement:

“Today the Senate sent a clear message that Russia must respect Ukraine's sovereignty,” Brown said. “The United States stands beside the Ukrainian people and does not recognize Russia’s actions in Crimea. The international community and leaders in Russia must begin laying the groundwork for a diplomatic solution to this crisis.”

Today vote follows passage of a Senate resolution passed in early March condemning Russia’s escalating aggression. The resolution called for an immediate withdrawal of Russian troops from the Crimea and called for a negotiated settlement to the crisis. Additionally, the resolution urged the Obama Administration and the European Union to utilize a range of economic and diplomatic tools to help ensure Ukrainian independence and foster peace in the region.