2-state Democrats, Republicans line up against Russia’s warfare

AUGUSTA, Ga. - They may disagree on some other issues but top Democrats and Republicans in Georgia and South Carolina seem to agree that Vladimir Putin has overstepped.

Here’s a look at their reaction to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine:

Brian Kemp

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp took to Twitter on Thursday morning to share his displeasure with the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

In a three-tweet thread, Kemp called the military action a “callous, indefensible invasion.”

Russia launched attacks on several western Ukrainian cities early Thursday morning, including in the capital city of Kyiv.

Kemp said he stands with Ukraine and condemns “this aggression of tyrants.”

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Kemp went on to say that he is praying for a quick end to the conflict and for the safety of the Ukraine people. He also spoke about the potential impact of U.S. service, including those here in Georgia.

Kemp went on to ask Georgians to his family in praying for the safety of those impacted by the violence.

Raphael Warnock

Also slamming the invasion was Democratic Georgia Sen. Raphael Warnock.

“I condemn Russia’s unjust military attack on Ukraine in the strongest . Their invasion is a violation of both Ukraine’s sovereignty and international law, and the United States and the international community cannot tolerate Russia’s choice to pursue a premeditated war of aggression.”

He said the United States must continue to stand with Ukraine.

“I the efforts already underway to bolster Ukraine’s defense forces, including the provision of American defense aid. I also strongly the imposition of severe sanctions on Russia to compel President Putin to cease this catastrophic effort and to hold him and his allies able,” he said.

Warnock previously voted to impose sanctions on Russia’s Nord Stream 2 natural gas pipeline in effort to deter Russia’s hostility toward Ukraine, and is a co-sponsor of legislation to help defend Ukraine’s sovereignty.

Jon Ossoff

Fellow Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff shared similar sentiments.

“Vladimir Putin’s brutal war of aggression against Ukraine has shattered the peace in Europe,” Ossoff said. “Innocent Ukrainians have been and will be killed, maimed, dispossessed, and displaced by the Russian Federation’s military assault, while the world faces the risks of a refugee crisis and broader instability or conflict.”

He said he and other senators expected to be briefed Thursday afternoon by Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen and Chairman of the t Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley.

”I urge U.S. diplomats, intelligence professionals, and military leaders to sustain the vigilance and diplomacy necessary to avoid unintentional escalation that could imperil global security,” Ossoff sad.

He said the NATO alliance is vital and inviolable and Russia’s actions require NATO to revitalize its collective strength, affirming commitment to mutual defense for every NATO member.

Lindsey Graham

Republican South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham had criticism for U.S. President Joe Biden as well as Russian ruler Vladimir Putin.

“The Biden istration continues to misread the moment,” Graham said in a statement.

“We should not be seeking permission from allies to go after Putin and his cronies. We should move ahead forcefully against Putin, a war criminal, and demand our allies us!”

He said: “Putin and his inner circle live large all over the world. It is past time for democracies to bring him to . Not giving clarity to Putin about what would happen if he invaded Ukraine was a mistake. Not going after him personally is an even bigger mistake.”

Graham said the only language Putin understands is strength.

Tim Scott

South Carolina GOP Sen. Tim Scott said earlier this week: “Putin’s invasion should be met with unified opposition by the United States and our allies — ensuring the consequences are equal in measure to the offense. Russia’s heightened aggression against the territorial integrity of Ukraine is a clear violation of international law. “

He also criticized Biden.

“Unfortunately, for the second time in less than a year, the Biden istration’s weakness on the world stage has emboldened our adversaries,” Scott said. “America and its international allies must stand up to Putin and make clear we’re committed to protecting sovereignty and democracy.”

From reports by WRDW/AGT and WGCL/CBS46