WA Senate Passes Resolution Supporting Ukraine Against Invasion

OLYMPIA, WA — The Washington State Senate is one of many institutions that took time this week to officially express solidarity with the citizens of Ukraine in the aftermath of the Russian invasion.

On the floor Wednesday, the Senate voted in favor of adopting SR 8662, a resolution supporting Ukrainians and Ukrainian-Americans alike as they bear the unprovoked military invasion of their homeland. The resolution reads, in part.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate recognize the democratic values shared by the people of Washington State and the people of Ukraine; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate express its deepest sympathies for all Ukrainian Americans, especially those with loved ones in harm's way; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate condemn the unprovoked Russian invasion of Ukraine and reiterate its support for peace, diplomacy, and an immediate end to the invasion; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate encourage the people of Washington State to support Ukrainian Americans and the people of Ukraine in their urgent time of need.

The Senate was joined by a delegation of Ukrainians led by Valeriy Goloborodko, an Honorary Consul of Ukraine. The delegation did not speak during the vote, though they did share the stories of their struggle with several lawmakers before the Senate convened.

"The stories that they brought to us from their homeland were nothing short of inspiring," said Lt. Gov. Danny Heck. "Their people's resilience, their courage, their bravery, their commitment to democratic values was inspiring beyond measure and we were honored to greet them."

In an emotional speech, Sen. Jamie Pedersen (D-Seattle) shared a story of his time in Ukraine in the late 80s, when the country had recently gained its independence.

"All sorts of great powers would come sweeping through their land, killing their people, destroying their institutions as they were looking forward to independence, to freedom, to a chance to write their own destiny," Pedersen said. "It just makes me heartsick to see what is happening to those brave and proud people."

The vote marks the first time lawmakers have filed any sort of official support for Ukraine in this conflict, though many legislators have spoken out over the past week condemning the Russian invasion and expressing solidarity with the defending nation.

"All Washingtonians should be outraged both by Russia's unprovoked and destructive attack on Ukraine, a peaceful nation that has embraced democracy," Gov. Jay Inslee tweeted Thursday. "Trudi and I are thinking of all those experiencing terrible suffering as a result of this unjust attack, especially the many members of the Ukrainian community living in Washington state. We stand united in our shared defense of democracy."

"While the American people do not want to get pulled into another war on foreign soil, there will be consequences for Russia's actions," said Rep. Kim Schrier (D-WA) in a statement Thursday. "This additional action today shows that we stand united with our allies in support of Ukraine to hold Putin accountable with punishing sanctions on Russia."

Related: Washington Reacts As Russia Invades Ukraine