Pelosi requests all-member briefing on Ukraine

Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) has requested an all-member briefing on the evolving situation in Ukraine, her office confirmed to The Hill, amid growing concerns of a Russian military incursion.

Pelosi’s office didn’t immediately provide further details of the request, which was first reported by Punchbowl News.  

However, the request further demonstrates Capitol Hill’s interest in the conflict as support for Ukraine has emerged as a rare bipartisan point among lawmakers.

“We have been in close consultation with members in leadership from the beginning,” White House press secretary Jen Psaki told reporters when asked about the request. “I am sure we are working to meet the request and needs of members.” 

Russia has amassed at least 100,000 troops along Ukraine’s border, sparking fears that Moscow may launch an invasion. In 2014, Russia invaded and then annexed Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula.

The Kremlin has denied it plans to invade Ukraine, but diplomatic engagements have been unsuccessful at trying to get Moscow to draw down its forces. 

Pelosi’s request comes after the administration appeared to send warning shots about the potential of an invasion over the weekend.

Late Sunday evening, the administration ordered family members of U.S. government employees in Kyiv to leave the country, while allowing nonemergency employees to voluntarily leave.

The New York Times and NBC News reported that the administration was weighing sending several thousand troops to bolster NATO’s eastern flank amid a possible invasion, with the option of increasing that number if circumstances unravel in the region.

However, none of the options reported would involve sending troops directly to Ukraine.