Calling on the City of Philadelphia to terminate all contracts and financial ties with Russian businesses and investments.

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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