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Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2019. | Photo courtesy of the Presidential Press and Information Office/Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)
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Five Los Angeles City Council members introduced a resolution Tuesday to strongly condemn “the egregious actions of President Vladimir Putin for ordering the invasion of Ukraine.”
The resolution further includes a call for international or federal divestment of all holdings from and investments in Russia and condemns Putin’s actions or that of any country that supports Russia, publicly traded Russian companies, real estate and private equity.
“What’s happening in Ukraine right now is unacceptable and inhumane,” said Council President Nury Martinez, who co-introduced the resolution. “There are over half a million refugees who had to walk miles in the freezing cold, families have been separated and may never be reunited, and childhoods will forever be impacted by this senseless war.”
“As a city, we are making it clear that we do not support this show of Russian aggression. Los Angeles stands with the Ukrainian people and supports the brave patriots who are currently standing their ground and defending their country,” she added.
Martinez introduced the resolution with Councilmen Paul Koretz and Kevin de León and Councilwomen Monica Rodriguez and Nithya Raman.
“The city of Los Angeles stands firmly with Ukraine and its people and strongly condemns President Putin’s reckless actions against Ukraine,” the resolution states.
Councilman Joe Buscaino, who seconded the resolution, also introduced a motion aimed at declaring Ukraine’s capital city Kyiv a Los Angeles Sister City as a gesture of solidarity. If Kyiv is declared a Sister City, Los Angeles would be able to send retired city goods, including fire trucks and ambulances.
“The world continues to be horrified by the images and videos coming from Kyiv, Ukraine; however, people across the globe have also been inspired by the resilience and fortitude of the people of Ukraine including President Volodymyr Zelenskyy — everyday citizens who have taken a stand for their country, democracy and freedom,” Buscaino said.
“A sister cities relationship is a `people-to-people’ program aimed at establishing greater friendship and understanding with peoples of other nations and that relationship enables the city to donate retired city goods such as fire trucks and ambulances,” he continued. “Los Angeles should do everything in its power to support the people of Ukraine in their fight for our shared values of self-determination, democracy, and freedom.”
It was unclear when the resolution will come up for a vote.
