Lighting The Way: Ohio Illuminates Bridges For Ukraine

OHIO — Two bridges in the Buckeye State will soon be illuminated by blue and yellow lights — a symbolic move meant to show solidarity and support to the nation and people of Ukraine as they withstand an invasion from Russia.

The George V. Voinovich Bridge — which lifts I-90 over the Cuyahoga River in Cleveland — and the Veterans' Glass City Skyway — which lifts I-280 over the Maumee River in Toledo — were both lit by blue and yellow for the first time on Tuesday night.

“This is a way to show our support of the Ukrainian people in their struggle against Russia’s unprovoked attack on their country,” said Gov. Mike DeWine. “I hope all Ohioans will join with the more than 42,000 Ukrainians living in our state and continue to pray for a peaceful end to this senseless Russian aggression.”

The Voinovich Bridge and Veterans' Glass City Skyway won't be the only bridges or buildings bathed in new colors to support Ukraine. The Ashtabula County Engineer's office is lighting the Ashtabula Harbor Lift Bridge blue and yellow, while the City of Dayton is coloring its bridges and overpasses along I-75 through downtown.

“I also urge other public and privately-owned building owners to join us in demonstration of deep concern about the senseless attack on Ukraine,” DeWine said. “In Ohio, we rally around those who need support, and this is a simple way to not only support those living in Ukraine but also our Ukrainian friends and neighbors living in Ohio."

The Ukrainian flag is currently being flown at the Ohio Statehouse.

Russia invaded Ukraine last week and is now bombarding major cities throughout the nation. The escalation of attacks on crowded cities followed an initial round of talks between outgunned Ukraine and nuclear power Russia on Monday that resulted in only a promise to meet again. It was not clear when new talks might take place — or what they would yield. Ukraine’s leader earlier said Russia must stop bombing before another meeting.

Reporting from the Associated Press was used in this article.