WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick (PA-8) addressed Ukrainian advocates Wednesday night at an exhibit marking the anniversary of Ukraine’s Maidan demonstration for economic and government reforms and called for increase U.S. support for the nation.

Fitzpatrick is a co-chair of the powerful Congressional Ukraine Caucus and an outspoken advocate for a free and democratic Ukraine. This Congress he has met and worked with Ukrainian government officials, members of the Ukrainian Parliament, Ukrainian Orthodox Church and local constituents on efforts to strengthen U.S. — Ukrainian policies.

His remarks as prepared for delivery:

Good evening and thank you all for being here tonight to explore this important exhibit and for inviting me to say a few words as a member of Congress and a leader of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus. It’s fitting that tonight’s exhibit on the Maidan demonstrations — the voice of the Ukrainian people — is being shown here in Washington, the seat of government by, for and of the people.

Since joining the caucus, I have had the opportunity to meet with several Ukrainian officials, including members of their democratically elected parliament. These members described their current military struggle and the dire need of defensive capabilities. However, this is not just a military struggle for the people of Ukraine.

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to meet with the Ukrainian Minister of Finance, Ms. Natalie Jaresko who highlighted the current economic situation in Ukraine. We discussed the need of financial aid as well as the importance of restructuring Ukraine’s debt — I know the struggle in Ukraine cannot be an issue isolated to other people in another part of the world. And, importantly, this is an area of agreement among the House, Senate and White House.

Last year, Congress and the administration united behind the bipartisan Ukraine Freedom Support Act in response to the hostilities in the Ukraine. The legislation solidified American support for a free and democratic Ukraine, uninhibited by external coercion as well as authorized the president to provide the Ukrainian government with much need financial aid and the means to defend its borders.

Nevertheless, as Russian aggression continues unabated, the defensive aid we promised has failed to reach Ukraine; something I have heard repeated in speaking with Ukrainian leaders and representatives from parliament.

America cannot retreat from its promises to allies, such as Ukraine, which dismantled its Cold War-era nuclear armaments in favor of democracy and international participation. If we fail to respond to Russian aggression in Ukraine, the signal to Moscow and other nations will be clear: Anyone can act contrary to international law and democratic aspirations without fear of repercussions.

Over a year ago during the Maidan, Ukrainians rallied for economic and government reform — and have become an inspiration of freedom to us all.

America must support a safe and sovereign nation by assisting these reform efforts, encouraging the continuation of anti-corruption efforts, and following through on aid commitments. It is vital that we show the United States is a nation to neither shrink from its leading role on the world stage, nor default on its promises to allies like Ukraine.

Together, you and I must use events like tonight’s to stand up for the freedom seekers of the Maidan and oppose those who deny and destroy it.