Contact: Brian Hart, Becky Ogilvie; both for Sam Brownback, United States Senator - Kansas, 202-224-6521

WASHINGTON August 13 /Standard Newswire/ -- U.S. Senator Sam Brownback today commented on the military offensive conducted by Russia against the sovereign nation of Georgia.

"Though I am heartened by the ceasefire brokered by President Sarkozy, Russia still must face serious consequences for its brazen military offensive into Georgia," said Brownback.  "To this end, I look forward to working with my colleagues on issues such as the proposed Russia nuclear agreement, trade sanctions, and additional security assistance to Georgia, the Caucuses, and Eastern Europe.

"This unacceptable behavior follows a longstanding trend of Russian hostility towards the spread of freedom and democracy in former Soviet states.  The community of free nations should not allow Russia to blackmail a democratically elected government into resigning under the threat of invasion, blockade, or assassination."

Russia launched a military offensive deep into Georgian territory for five days over a disputed breakaway border region.  Russia previously had an occupying force in the South Ossetia region of Georgia and responded with disproportionate force when Georgia forces entered the region.  Despite committing to a ceasefire, Russian tanks are reported to still be attacking position both in South Ossetia and other parts of Georgia.  There were also reports of Russian attacks on Georgian pipelines and infrastructure.  Russia has long opposed Georgia's overtures of joining NATO.   

Brownback continued, "Citizens of the free world should be outraged by this brutal aggression against a sovereign, democratic state.  I continue to pray for the safety of the Georgian people and for civilians on both sides caught in the crossfire."