Why Congress Should Support Ukraine: Insights from Barbra Streisand, Sean Penn, Imagine Dragons, Timothy Snyder, and More

In this message to Congress, over 35 artists, activists, scholars, and others are urging for support for Ukraine. The views shared in this statement belong to the individuals who signed it. For more perspectives, check out CNN Opinion.

We are joining forces to ask Congress to take action and provide assistance to Ukraine.

Ukrainians are currently facing a dire situation. Russia, on the territory it occupies, is committing atrocities against Ukrainian citizens. This includes torture, kidnapping of children, and the killing of Ukrainian leaders. Additionally, in areas within reach of Russian weapons, civilians and rescue workers are being targeted. Churches and monuments, including those dedicated to the Holocaust, are being destroyed by Russian missiles, drones, and bombs. The Russian occupation also poses a threat to Ukraine's Muslim population, specifically the Crimean Tatars.

Russian leaders have openly declared their intention to destroy the Ukrainian state and eradicate Ukrainians as a people. Russian propagandists frequently make threats of genocide. Currently, Russia is using missiles and glide bombs to devastate the historic city of Kharkiv. This city, which was once home to 1.5 million people, is facing destruction similar to what Russia inflicted on Mariupol, Aleppo, and Grozny.

Ukrainians are bravely fighting for our safety and the freedom of all. Their resistance against Russian dictatorship proves that democracy can stand up for itself. By defending their borders, they are safeguarding the international order and preventing chaos. Fighting Russia on their own also serves to protect Europe. Moreover, their efforts demonstrate the challenges of offensive operations, which could make a potential Chinese war in the Pacific less likely. Additionally, engaging in a conventional war with a nuclear power helps to reduce the risks of nuclear proliferation and nuclear conflict.

A woman stands among the rubble in her apartment hit by shelling in Donetsk, Russian-controlled Ukraine, on April 2.

A woman stands among the rubble in her apartment hit by shelling in Donetsk, Russian-controlled Ukraine, on April 2.

Stringer/AFP/Getty Images

The Ukrainian armed forces are protecting fundamental American interests. They are carrying out actions that Americans are unable to do on their own. By absorbing the full force of the Russian attack, they are preventing other conflicts in Europe. They are deterring China without provoking Beijing. Their resistance to a nuclear power sets an example for other nations, showing that they do not need to develop nuclear weapons. For the past two years, Ukrainians have not only defended their own people but also safeguarded us.

Many Americans recognize this and are eager to support Ukraine. Likewise, most elected representatives share this sentiment.

But we are failing to support Ukraine. It has been over 470 days since Congress approved legislation to help Ukraine, which is nearly the same amount of time since Russia invaded in February 2022. While we have been inactive, Russia has been rebuilding its army and getting ready for a new attack. They are testing Ukraine's defenses and even using CS gas illegally to force Ukrainian soldiers out of their positions.

If Russia manages to breach Ukraine's defenses, it will be our responsibility. Only then will we realize the full extent of our losses.

If Russia breaks through, it will be our fault. We will realize the significance of what we have lost. The efforts made by Ukraine on our behalf can be undone. If Ukraine is defeated, we will face a much more dangerous world. This world may see war in Europe and Asia. Russia could disrupt the food supply to the Near East and Africa, which is currently provided by Ukraine. It will be a world without rules, filled with nuclear weapons.

At that point, it will be too late to take the simple action that is within our reach right now: supporting an ally in their crucial battle by passing legislation in Congress. This would only require a small portion of the defense department budget, a fraction of the overall budget, most of which remains within the United States.

We must not let down our allies. All eyes around the world are watching, expecting us to stand by Ukraine. Ukraine is a democracy, and we claim to support democracies. Their soldiers are fighting on our behalf, without asking for American troops. The support we need to provide to Ukraine is minimal. If we fail to keep our commitments to Ukraine, it will erode trust in our support for any ally in the future. This would weaken us and lead to a more conflict-ridden world.

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Ukrainians are remarkable allies, fighting bravely on a vast front. They have successfully cleared the Black Sea of the Russian navy, enabling Ukrainian agriculture to supply the Near East and Africa. With their own developed weapons, they are making every effort possible, despite suffering significant human losses daily. However, they require our assistance to sustain their efforts.

Ukraine presents us with an opportunity to do what is right - for them, for us, for decency, for humanity. By supporting Ukraine, we can help maintain global stability and protect ourselves. If we allow Ukraine to falter, we are inviting disaster for both them and ourselves.

Congress returned to session this week. Time is short and new dangers can arrive very quickly. Together we call upon Congress to do the right thing – right now. Support Ukraine.

Signed: 

J.J. Abrams, filmmaker

José Andrés, chef and activist

Gabrielle Carteris, actor and trade union leader

Mona Charen, journalist

Misha Collins, actor

Rosario Dawson, actor

Felicia Day, actor and writer

Doug Fears, former homeland security adviser

Jonathan Safran Foer, novelist

Francis Fukuyama, political scientist

Mark Hamill, actor

Gale Anne Hurd, producer

Dara Khosrowshahi, entrepreneur

William Kristol, writer

Eric Edelman, diplomat

Imagine Dragons, band

Scott Kelly, astronaut

Daniel Lubetzky, entrepreneur

Michael McFaul, political scientist

Kate McKinnon, actor

Alyssa Milano, actor

Viggo Mortensen, actor

Patton Oswalt, comedian and actor

Phillips O’Brien, military historian

Brad Paisley, musician

Sean Penn, actor

Serhii Plokhii, historian

Ivanna Sakhno, actor

Eric Schmidt, philanthropist

Liev Schreiber, actor

Timothy Snyder, historian

Terrell Jermaine Starr, journalist

Barbra Streisand, singer and actor

Hilary Swank, actor

Peter Wehner, writer and activist

Katheryn Winnick, actor

Editor's P/S:

The article powerfully conveys the urgent need for Congress to provide assistance to Ukraine, highlighting the grave atrocities committed by Russia and the critical role Ukraine plays in safeguarding democracy and global stability. The signatories, a diverse group of influential figures, emphasize that supporting Ukraine is not only an act of solidarity but also a strategic investment in our own security.

By absorbing the full force of Russia's attack, Ukraine has prevented further conflicts in Europe, deterred China without provoking Beijing, and set an example for other nations in resisting nuclear threats. The signatories argue that failing to support Ukraine would not only betray our allies but also embolden Russia and weaken the international order, leading to a more conflict-ridden and dangerous world. They urge Congress to act swiftly and decisively to provide the necessary assistance, recognizing that the consequences of inaction would be dire.