BOSTON — U.S. Rep. Katherine Clark, who represents the 5th congressional district of Massachusetts, is echoing President Joe Biden's warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin over a potential invasion of Ukraine.

"If he attacks their sovereignty, we are going to stand with the people of Ukraine. We are going to stand for their country, and there will be a steep price to pay for Russia," said Clark, who is also the assistant speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. "We have come together with our NATO allies to say there will be economic sanctions that can be crippling to Russia."

"If Putin succeeds in invading Ukraine, we all have to ask what's next," said U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton, who represents the 6th congressional district of Massachusetts.

Moulton, a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and member of the House Armed Services Committee, said a Russian invasion of Ukraine remains likely, but that does not necessarily mean Putin has made up his mind.

"Until the troops cross the line, he has the power to say 'No,' to say 'Stop,' and that's why 11th-hour diplomacy still counts," Moulton said.

Moulton said he would like to see more unity in Congress when it comes to supporting Biden on this issue. He noted that, behind the scenes, it appears most members of Congress are aligned on finding a diplomatic solution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

'I worry about my family, friends'
Julia Kotlinska, the owner of the South Boston coffee shop Esthetic Bean, is from Ukraine. Her parents, brother and 7-year-old nephew are still in the Eastern European country.

Kotlinska said she calls her family daily and regularly watches the news for updates. She said Ukrainians are going about their daily business, but there is a sense of unease about a potential Russian invasion.

"I worry about my family, friends, about all Ukrainians who, right now, are in some danger," Kotlinska said. "They cannot have a normal life. The stress has just eaten at them.

"I just feel powerless because I'm here. I'm in this safe country, but all my family and friends and all Ukrainians are there and I cannot help them," she added. "I hope nothing bad and dangerous is going to happen to my country."

Kotlinska said she is helping organize a rally to support Ukraine in Boston's Jamaica Plain neighborhood this Sunday.

---
Original story HERE