Washington Reacts As Russia Invades Ukraine

OLYMPIA, WA — After weeks of mounting tensions, Russia launched a full-scale invasion into Ukraine overnight Wednesday. Sirens blared as airstrikes rained down on cities and military bases alike. In the north, Russian military vehicles poured into the Kyiv region from Belarus. At least 57 Ukrainians have been killed, and another 169 wounded, the Associated Press reported.

President Joe Biden has since denounced Russia's attack as "unprovoked and unjustified" and said Moscow would be held accountable. Thursday, the president announced several sweeping sanctions against Russia, and promised more action would be coming soon.

Here in Washington, local leaders have reacted similarly, condemning the Russian invasion and declaring their solidarity with Ukrainian citizens.

"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."

Inslee was followed by Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, who also shared his condolences with Ukrainians living in Washington.

"Seattle stands with our Ukrainian neighbors, immigrant community, and the people of Ukraine," Harrell said. "Our hearts break for the innocent lives irreparably harmed by this senseless military invasion. In the strongest possible terms, we condemn Russia’s unprovoked aggression."

For now, Biden has said that America will not deploy troops to the conflict, and Washington lawmakers appear somewhat divided on the possibility of entering into another war.

"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."

A joint statement by Reps. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) and Babara Lee (D-CA) was also overtly anti-war.

"We applaud President Biden for rightly saying there can be no military solution to this conflict, and wisely committing to not deploying U.S. troops," the statement reads. "We reiterate, alongside our colleagues, that the President must seek Congressional authorization pursuant to the War Powers Resolution before any U.S. troops deploy into areas or situations where there is a risk of imminent hostilities."

Meanwhile, Representative Adam Smith (D-WA), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, said he agrees with President Biden's decision not to mobilize the military at the moment, but warned that Russia could face "even more severe consequences" than sanctions if its assault continues.

"For months, the United States, our allies, and our partners have warned about the possibility of a further Russian invasion," Smith said. "We have pursued every available diplomatic opportunity to prevent Putin’s further invasion while also providing support to the Ukrainian government and preparing to respond if Putin rejected peace and diplomacy. These facts — and not Putin’s lies — are the truth about Putin’s choice to make war with Ukraine."

One of the many cities damaged in Wednesday night's strikes was Brovary, a suburb of Kyiv and one of Tacoma's sister cities. As The News Tribune first reported, Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards responded to the news by sharing her condolences with Ukranians at home and abroad.

“I am deeply concerned and upset by what is taking place in the country of Ukraine and my heart goes out to everyone impacted,” Woodards said. “I want community members in our sister city of Brovary to know that we, in Tacoma, are thinking of them. The impacts being felt by those in Ukraine can also be felt here at home by thousands of Ukrainian-born immigrants, U.S. military servicemembers, City employees, and their families living in Tacoma and its suburbs. As part of our family, what affects one affects us all.”

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