Kosciuszko Bridge Illuminated In Solidarity With Ukrainian People

QUEENS, NY — The Kosciuszko Bridge will glow yellow and blue Thursday night to show solidarity with the Ukrainian people.

The bridge, which connects Brooklyn and Queens by way of Long Island City, is one of 13 statewide landmarks that Governor Kathy Hochul illuminated to mark one month since President Vladimir Putin ordered Russian forces to invade Ukraine on Feb. 24th. One World Trade Center and Grand Central Terminal will be among the illuminated buildings.

"Our prayers are with the innocent victims of the unconscionable violence that continues to be perpetrated on a free and sovereign nation," said Hochul in a news release Thursday.

Over 900 Ukrainian civilians have reportedly died as Russia's military has bombed and assaulted cities countywide, though the true death toll is likely much higher, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said this week.

In addition to illuminating statewide landmarks, and flying the Ukrainian flag above some municipal buildings, Hochul said that New York will continue to support the Ukrainian people.

"As the proud home of the largest Ukrainian population in the United States, New York will continue to stand by the Ukrainian people in their fight against tyranny and oppression," she said.

The Governor launched a website Thursday that contains resources to help Ukrainian people and allies in New York, including information on immigration assistance and how to give humanitarian aid.

This week's actions of support and solidarity followed an executive order from Hochul, prohibiting state agencies and authorities from contracting with businesses that aren't boycotting Russia.

Last month, she also ordered all state agencies and authorities to divest public funds from Russia and stop doing business with Russian companies.

These actions follow suit with ongoing sanctions against Russia leveled by President Joe Biden, who called for additional economic punishments against the country at a global summit Thursday.