Resolution on Savchenko’s Release Referred to United States House of Representatives

The text of the resolution states that the Ukrainian pilot Nadiya Savchenko was captured on Ukrainian territory and illegally transferred to Russia. The international community was called on to aggressively support efforts to release Savchenko and others.

Ukrinform reports that the House Foreign Affairs Committee approved the text of resolution on the release of Ukrainian fighter pilot Nadiya Savchenko on Thursday.

“Nadiya Savchenko is a real hero of Ukraine, her resistance has inspired many people in the country who are fighting for an independent, democratic and prosperous Ukraine,” Ranking Member on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Congressman Eliot Engel, said during the hearing.

The document “Calling for the release of Ukrainian fighter pilot Nadiya Savchenko, who was captured by Russian forces in Eastern Ukraine and has been held illegally in a Russian prison since July 2014,” states that Ukrainian fighter pilot Nadiya Savchenko … [who] volunteered her services to the Ukrainian Aidar battalion … [was] detained on Ukrainian territory, deprived of rights to due process, and illegally transferred to the Russian Federation to stand trial on unsubstantiated charges of terrorism.”

The resolution calls on the United States, its European allies, and the international community to aggressively support efforts to release Nadiya Savchenko and other illegally detained persons. The document will be sent to the floor of the House of Representatives, and, as the resolution does not contain any conflicting provisions, its final adoption is expected shortly. 

Earlier, on April 22nd, Verkhovna Rada called upon the EU and the US to enter personal sanctions against those involved in the abduction and imprisonment of Nadiya Savchenko.