SENATE RESOLUTION
8675
By Senator Salomon
WHEREAS, The people of Washington state and the people of Ukraine share a deep commitment to democracy, human rights, self-determination, and the rule of law; and
WHEREAS, Washington state is home to more than 110,000 people of Ukrainian heritage and one of the largest populations of Ukrainian immigrants among the 50 states; and
WHEREAS, Many Ukrainians immigrated to Washington state fleeing Soviet persecution for their political, cultural, and religious beliefs and seeking freedom and opportunity in the United States; and
WHEREAS, Since February 2022, Washington state has welcomed close to 30,000 displaced Ukrainians seeking refuge from the Russian war and continues to be a welcoming and supportive home for those fleeing violence and persecution; and
WHEREAS, Ukrainians and Ukrainian Americans in Washington state have enriched our communities through their leadership and contributions in agriculture, business, academia, government, health care, and the arts; and
WHEREAS, On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a full-scale and unprovoked aggression against Ukraine, escalating a war that began in 2014, in the largest attack on a European nation since World War II; and
WHEREAS, Russia's actions have resulted in widespread civilian casualties, mass displacement, destruction of critical infrastructure, and many reports of war crimes and crimes against humanity; and
WHEREAS, The people of Ukraine are courageously defending their independence, democratic institutions, cultural identity, and right to choose their own future as a sovereign nation;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate express its deepest sympathy and solidarity with the people of Ukraine and with Ukrainian Americans, especially those with loved ones in harm's way; and