Shaheen Statement on Sentencing of Nadiya Savchenko in Russian Show Trial

Today, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), the lead Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations European Affairs Subcommittee, reacted to the sentencing of Ukrainian fighter pilot Nadiya Savchenko to 22 years in prison by a Russian court. Shaheen has repeatedly called on Russia to end its show trial of Savchenko, who has been held by Russia since June of 2014, when she was captured by Russian-backed separatists in Eastern Ukraine and taken across the border.

“Russia isn’t fooling anyone,” said Senator Shaheen. “From the moment she was captured, the Russian government has sought to make an example of Nadiya Savchenko, but instead, has only demonstrated its disregard for human rights and international law. This has always been a show trial with a pre-ordained outcome. Nadiya has shown tremendous bravery throughout her imprisonment and has rightfully become a hero to the Ukrainian people. Russia should immediately release Nadiya and put an end to its aggression that seeks to undermine the sovereignty of Ukraine.”