Senate Resolution No. 1967

BY: Senator TEDISCO

CONDEMNING Russia's invasion into Ukraine

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to honor and
respect the sovereignty of independent nations as well as their
citizenry; and

WHEREAS, It is right and just to condemn those nations who violate
international law and engage in acts of aggression against such
independent nations, their civilian population and their democratically
elected governments; and

WHEREAS, Ukraine is an independent republic and has been separate
from Russia since the fall of the Soviet Union via the globally
recognized Act of Declaration of Independence of Ukraine dated August
24, 1991; and

WHEREAS, In violation of the principles of a United Nations Charter,
Russia seized control of Ukraine's Crimean peninsula after an invasion
that began on February 28, 2014; and

WHEREAS, For decades Ukraine was under the totalitarian control of
the Soviet Union which led to widespread oppression of its citizens
including famine and genocide from 1932-1933, causing the death of
millions; and

WHEREAS, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has declared
Russia's actions have threatened peace and security in Europe and has
called on Russia to stop its military activities and its threats; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body, representing the communities of the
State of New York, want the people of Ukraine to know our thoughts and
prayers are with them as they fight to defend their homeland; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
call on New York State's Congressional delegation to condemn Russia's
invasion into Ukraine or be subjected to the imposition of severe
sanctions against Russia, and sponsor a Congressional Resolution calling
for Russia to withdraw its invasion forces from Ukraine immediately; and
be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to President Joe Biden, Speaker of the United States House
of Representatives Nancy Pelosi, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy,
Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer, Senate Minority Leader Mitch
McConnell, and each of the respective 27 Members of New York's
Congressional delegation, as well as Senator Kirsten Gillibrand.