Dear Colleague to All Members on Welcoming the First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska to Speak to the Congress
Dear Colleague,
Tomorrow, the Congress will have the distinct honor to welcome the First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska to speak to the Congress. As we do so, Putin's heinous war in Ukraine wages on – and it continues to take a terrible toll on women and girls.
In the course of visits from Ukrainian leaders — from members of parliament to grassroots heroes — many of us have heard horrific stories about the brutal treatment of women and girls by Russian forces. Indeed, we have sufficient evidence of kidnappings and deportations into Russia, rape of women in front of family members and even rape of little girls.
When I have commented to some that it is outrageous and sickening that war produces such atrocities, I have been told these barbaric crimes are being directly ordered by Putin. Let me be clear: rape of children cannot be a weapon of war. It is a war crime!
The brutality of Russian aggression and the treatment of women and children have horrified the American people, and these crimes have been of particular concern to the women Members of Congress.
We look forward to hearing First Lady Zelenska report on this situation, as well as offer insight on security, economic and humanitarian conditions on the ground. Her visit to the Congress is part of her important mission here in the United States, meeting with First Lady Dr. Jill Biden and other senior Biden Administration officials.
We hope that all Members will take advantage of this important and timely opportunity to hear directly from First Lady Zelenska, to learn more about the terrible toll of the Russian invasion and to express our gratitude to the people of Ukraine for their fight for Democracy.
The presentation will be received tomorrow at 11:00 a.m. in the Capitol Visitor Center Congressional Auditorium. All Members of the House and Senate are encouraged to attend.
Thank you for your ongoing leadership for Democracy in Ukraine.
NANCY PELOSI