Declaring "Philadelphia Stands with Ukraine" and urging the White House and the United States Congress to fully support Ukraine amid hostile acts and military build-up along its border from Russia.

WHEREAS, Freedom and self-determination cannot be achieved in isolation; and

WHEREAS, These individual rights are only possible when freedom loving people and nations band together to uphold and defend them; and

WHEREAS, Here in Philadelphia, the birthplace of American democracy, hundreds gathered to stand in solidarity with Ukraine amid heightened threats of invasion from neighboring Russia; and

WHEREAS, Over 100,000 Russian troops are currently deployed along the Ukrainian border, supported by heavy armaments; and

WHEREAS, Ensuring Ukraine’s prosperity and upholding its territorial sovereignty has global implications; and

WHEREAS, Since its dissolution from the Soviet Union in 1991, Ukraine has become a key ally of the United States and NATO; and

WHEREAS, Previous Russian aggression resulted in the illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014; and

WHEREAS, A successful invasion of Ukraine would bring Russia onto the borders of Romania and Poland, two member states of NATO; and

WHEREAS, As recent history has shown, a threat to democracy in Europe is a threat to democracy in the United States; and

WHEREAS, Philadelphia stands with the Ukrainians in their pursuit of freedom, peace, and prosperity; and

WHEREAS, City Council supports the strong stance of President Biden and Congress in working with partners to uphold and defend the sovereignty of Ukraine and ensure stability in the region; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADLEPHIA, That it herby declares “Philadelphia Stands with Ukraine” and urges the White House and the United States Congress to fully support Ukraine amid hostile acts and military build-ups along its border from Russia.

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