[Putin] is a bully. And bullies only understand when we punch them in the nose, but we need to do that economically.
Kelly AyotteWe need to send a message to Vladimir Putin through stronger sanctions. We need him to understand that the sanctions that we put in place can have a significant impact on his economy that we need to deter further action from him. And understand who he is, former KGB colonel, he's a bully, and bullies only understand when we punch them in the nose but we need to do that economically. That is our strongest move at this point.
Kelly AyotteAs a former attorney general. I have the greatest respect for the criminal justice system. But it is not good at intelligence gathering.
Kelly AyotteThere is scientific evidence that demonstrates there is some impact from human activities. However I don't think the evidence is conclusive.
Kelly AyotteIf I am going to pick and choose the laws I defend, I wouldn't be doing my duty as attorney general.
Kelly AyotteWhen we have an effort made at sanctions involving many other nations it has a potential of greater impact on Russia and discouraging Putin.
Kelly AyotteIf Vladimir Putin is conscious and aware of his standing in the world economy, he has to understand this aggression in Crimea is not helping the reputation of Russia as a modern nation where you can do business. He's back to the old Soviet ways and a lot of folks are going to hold back and pull back as a result of it. I think he may have second thoughts.
Kelly AyotteYou can see the actions that the Russians are trying to take in eastern Ukraine. And so it's so important that we take actions to deter further Russian aggression against the Ukrainian people.
Kelly AyotteIn Maidan Square right now, you see thousands of Ukrainians protesting the Russian occupation of Crimea. So this is a Russian protest by Ukrainians who want their sovereignty. They want their freedom and they're protesting what Russia did in Crimea.
Kelly AyotteThe best way to marginalize the Muslim Brotherhood [in Egypt] is in the ballot box, not through arrests and killing people.
Kelly AyotteIf we were to impose greater sanctions on economic sectors, I think we could have a significant impact on Putin.
Kelly AyotteIn the midst of our wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, Putin invaded the Republic of Georgia. Let's call it for what it is. Here is Vladimir Putin with a failing Soviet franchise. And when he can't win the hearts and minds of his neighboring nations, he uses energy extortion, masked gunmen and barbed wire.
Kelly Ayotte