Russia’s move this week to sanction 398 members of the U.S. Congress prompted a response from one of the targeted congressional members—Rep. Markwayne Mullin.
In a statement, the Republican congressman shrugged off the Russian sanction, saying he will always push for an America first agenda, sanctioned or not.
“It is vital to our global stabilization that America is energy independent, and I will continue to champion the use of American-made oil and gas – not Russian imports. This sanction has no impact on me whatsoever. The safety and sovereignty of the Ukrainian people far outweigh my name on any list.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry announced the list of sanctioned members included 87 Canadian senators. It came in response to sanctions put in place by the U.S. on 328 members of the Russian State Duma, the country’s lower house of parliament.
The Foreign Ministry did not explain how the names were chosen. It stated that the sanctions would “mirror” those of the U.S. which targeted State Duma members and their property and assets. The U.S. sanctions also banned the Duma members from any dealings with American citizens.