Press releases

WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) today joined Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) in introducing the Preventing Usurpation of Power and Privileges by Extralegal Territories’ Sedition (PUPPETS) Act to sanction individuals who assist in establishing puppet governments in Ukraine.

“Putin isn’t waging his war of aggression alone. Those who join in his terrorism should also bear its consequences—personally and politically. Russia’s war is one of terror, and America won’t tolerate it or excuse its co-conspirators,” said Kennedy.

“The world will become a very scary place if we allow thugs like Putin to invade sovereign nations without severe consequence. We must be clear and unyielding in our support for the Ukrainian people’s fight against a merciless tyrant, and that begins with calling his actions for what they are—an act of terrorism. Any participants in or supporters of this evil scheme should be prepared to face the consequences,” said Rubio.

The PUPPETS Act would designate certain entities as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs). Such a designation blocks property and prohibits transactions with these entities and their members, and adds all their members to the Terrorist Exclusion List, which prevents their entry into the U.S.

The bill would designate as FTOs several entities, including the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR), the Luhansk People’s Republic (LPR) and any entity claiming to be the government of any other region of Ukraine that is not the government elected in Ukraine’s most recent national and local elections. The bill would prevent U.S. flagged aircraft and ships from taking any action that would imply recognition of sovereignty for these entities.

The PUPPETS Act would also designate as a State Sponsor of Terrorism any government that the Secretary of State finds to have recognized or assisted the DPR, LPR or other Russian puppet governments in Ukraine. These governments would be barred from receiving U.S. foreign assistance.

Rep. Carlos Giménez (R-Fla.) introduced the bill in the House.