WHEREAS, Russia’s premediated assault on the sovereign state of Ukraine represents the gravest threat to democracy and international order since World War II; and
WHEREAS, The United States and freedom loving people across the world are standing in solidarity with the proud Ukrainian people as they wage defense of their right to self-determination and independence; and
WHEREAS, In response to the reckless invasion, governments around the world are implementing severe economic and diplomatic sanctions against Russia; and
WHEREAS, States and localities across the United States have also begun removing Russian products from shelves and severing investments in Russian businesses; and
WHEREAS, Governor Wolf has urged the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board to pull all Russian products from state-run liquor stores, and State Treasurer Stacey Garrity has ordered the divestment of all holdings in Russian-based companies; and
WHEREAS, According to Garrity, the state had roughly $3 million invested in 31 Russian-based holdings; and
WHEREAS, These actions to sever ties and holdings should not be misconstrued as malice toward the Russian people or Russian Americans; they are not to blame for decisions made by reckless leaders in Moscow; and
WHEREAS, City Council unanimously adopted a resolution last month declaring “Philadelphia Stands with Ukraine”; and
WHEREAS, In solidarity with the Ukrainian people, the City of Philadelphia should begin a review of all procurements and investments; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby urges the City of Philadelphia to terminate all contracts and financial ties with Russian businesses and investments.
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