WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., released the following statement:

“Putin is a bully and attempting to send a chilling effect to his opponents and the world. His aggression stems from a simple fact: he is paranoid and a coward. This announcement comes as world leaders are convening today to discuss how to confront Russia. Putin has proven he will stop at nothing to silence opposition voices. We will not be deterred from our commitments and if anything, this murderous regime strengthens our resolve. We will not stop calling for the release of Vladimir Kara-Murza and others still falsely imprisoned.”