WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) introduced bipartisan legislation to support Ukraine’s cyber infrastructure as it faces continued cyberattacks from the Russian government. Brown’s bill, the Ukraine Cybersecurity Cooperation Act, directs the U.S. State Department to help Ukraine secure its government networks by reducing reliance on Russian technology and expanding its capacity to respond to cyber threats. 

“Russia’s cyber aggression against Ukraine cannot stand unchecked,” said Brown. “We must support Ukraine’s efforts to defend against these harmful cyberattacks and stand up to Russian aggression.”  

“The Ukrainian American community is grateful to Sens. Brown, Toomey, Klobuchar, and Graham for their sponsorship of a Ukraine cybersecurity bill in the United States Senate,” stated Michael Sawkiw, Jr., Director of the Ukrainian National Information Service. “Such efforts underscore the importance of the partnership between Ukraine and the United States in addressing this vital issue.  While Ukraine has become a proving ground of all forms of Russian hybrid warfare, this legislation will provide the necessary tools to strengthen cybersecurity cooperation.” 

Ukraine has been the target of Russian attacks on the country’s cyber infrastructure, including attacks on Ukraine’s electric grid. Brown’s bill calls for the U.S. to support Ukraine’s efforts to enhance existing cyber capabilities by bolstering Ukraine’s cyber security and expanding existing technology to fight against cyberattacks. The bill also requires the State Department to report to Congress within 180 days on the state of Ukrainian cybersecurity.

Brown’s bill is also cosponsored by Sens. Pat Toomey (R-PA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Lindsay Graham (R-SC).

Brown has supported Ohio’s Ukrainian community. Brown – ranking member of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee – helped broker the bipartisan deal between the Senate and House of Representatives to hold Russia, Iran and North Korea accountable, including holding Russia accountable for its aggression in Ukraine. Brown helped lead the negotiations as part of his role as ranking member of the Senate Banking Committee, which has jurisdiction over economic and financial sanctions. The bill was signed into law in August. 

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