U.S. Rep. Tom Reed

U.S. Rep. Tom Reed said he was “proud” to be among those in Congress sanctioned by Russia.

“Being put on this permanent ‘stop list’ by a dictator like Putin can only be seen as a badge of honor,” Reed, R-Corning, said in a statement Thursday. “Watching the atrocities that Putin is committing on a daily basis against the people of Ukraine is heartbreaking, and it must stop. American leadership must project to Russia that we will achieve peace through strength.”

According to several media outlets, Russia’s Foreign Ministry on Wednesday sanctioned 398 members of Congress. The move was to “mirror” the President Joe Biden administration’s sanctions last month.