SEN. MANCHIN TALKS ENERGY, REFUGEES AND MILITARY OPTIONS REGARDING UKRAINE CRISIS

BLUEFIELD, W.Va. (WVVA) - Sen. Joe Manchin of W.Va. spoke on a range of issues regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine Monday.

Topics ranged from American energy independence to accepting Ukrainian refugees, and more.

“I don’t think there’s a West Virginian that would agree that we should be buying anything, any products from Russia,” said Manchin on increased sanctions. “With that, we’ve got to make a commitment. The United States of America has been and will be and can be again, energy independent. We must do that.”

He also noted he’s in complete favor of allowing Ukrainian refugees to find asylum in the mountain state.

“By God we should open arms to them. I would hope so,” said Manchin. “These are good people. They’re strong, they’re hard working people, they’re family loving and God-fearing, and we should all open our hearts up anywhere they would want to come, anywhere we can reposition.”

More than 1.5 million Ukrainians have fled the country since the start of the conflict with Russia.