Statement from Veterans On Duty on the Release of Americans Detained in Russia
Veterans On Duty celebrates the release of U.S. Marine Corps veteran Paul Whelan and journalists Evan Gershkovich, Alsu Kurmasheva, and Vladimir Kara-Murza after their unjust imprisonments in Russia. Celebrations are in order every time Americans return home safely, and we are glad these brave individuals are now reunited with their families. We are grateful for America’s allies who were Instrumental in their release.
At the same time, their case remind us that the erosion of America’s credibility on the world stage has consequences and invites aggression from our adversaries. The United States must abandon this path of weakness and send a clear, unwavering message: Hostage-taking of Americans abroad is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. only through decisive action and unyielding resolve can we restore America’s credibility and deter those who seek to undermine our power and harm our people.