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.
End