During a hearing today focused on a Ukrainian’s “hell” in Russian captivity, Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), Co-Chairman of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, praised the heroism of Ukrainian medic Yuliia “Taira” Paievska, who served three months as a Russian prisoner of war. Paievska, who saved hundreds of lives before being taken prisoner in Mariupol, is a national hero to her country. She was introduced ahead of her testimony by Dr. Hanna Hopko, co-founder of the Center for Ukrainian Victory and former Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs in the Parliament of Ukraine, who thanked Co-Chairman Cohen for his resolution calling Russian actions in Ukraine a genocide.
In his opening statement, Co-Chairman Cohen said in part:
“It’s really important for the world but the American public as well to learn firsthand what’s going on in Ukraine. Your bravery in the Mariupol siege…is commendable and courageous. Thank you. I can’t imagine what it would be like to live like that, but you provided life and aid. It’s so important to have medical personnel to help those people. You were an angel…
“What Russia has done in Ukraine needs to be known and needs to be punished.”
Original source can be found here.
