Resolution calls on FIFA to move World Cup from Russia

Sen. Dan Coats (R-Ind.) introduced a resolution Wednesday that calls on President Obama to isolate Russia through sanctions in order to protect Ukraine’s sovereignty.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent Russian troops into Ukraine after the Russian-backed leader, Viktor Yanukovych, was ousted. The resolution would condemn this action as a “clear violation” of international law and calls for the immediate withdraw of Russian troops.

{mosads}Coats’ resolution says Obama and Congress should “punish Russia’s outrageous and dangerous misbehavior” by imposing sanctions and possibly kicking Russia out of the Group of Eight nations. 

The resolution also urges the leadership of FIFA, the international football association, to reconsider its decision to place World Cup 2018 matches in Russia and instead award these games to “a more worthy alternative country.”

Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) said Wednesday that he too is working on drafting a resolution to “condemn Russian aggression.”

The House has announced that it will quickly pass the administration’s proposed $1 billion aid package for Ukraine.