Dallas City Council votes to stand behind Ukraine

DALLAS — The City Council on Wednesday unanimously approved a resolution — proposed by Mayor Eric Johnson — in support of the people of Ukraine.

The resolution condemns the Russian Federation’s invasion of Ukraine; calls on the city’s business, civic, and philanthropic communities to support Ukraine in any way they can; suspends the City of Dallas’ official “Sister City “relationship with Saratov, Russia while still encouraging people-to-people work toward peace; and restricts the City Council from approving future contracts with entities that have significant Russian ties.

Mayor Johnson developed the resolution in consultation with the Mayor’s International Advisory Council, a bipartisan group of distinguished Dallas residents who formerly held the rank of United States ambassador.

The mayor placed the resolution on Wednesday’s voting agenda and expressed his gratitude to the City Council for its support.

“As an international city, we have to stand up at times like this to make our intentions and our feelings known,” Mayor Johnson said. “Dallas is clearly important to the global economy, and we are the cultural engine of this entire region — the fourth-largest metropolitan area in the United States. But we also must be moral leaders. This resolution tells the people of Ukraine and our Ukrainian community in Dallas that this is a welcoming city that stands behind them as they fight for their freedom against an illegal, unprovoked, and unjustified invasion by the Russian Federation.”

Here is the text of the resolution:

WHEREAS, Ukraine, the second-largest country in Europe by land mass, has a long and rich history with its own unique language, literature, and cultural identity; and

WHEREAS, on August 24, 1991, Ukraine declared its independence from the Soviet Union; and

WHEREAS, Ukraine is a democratic republic with a constitution that provides for a directly elected president; and

WHEREAS, Ukraine has been building its democratic institutions and working to improve the life of its residents; and

WHEREAS, on February 24, 2022, the Russian Federation (hereinafter, “Russia”) launched an unprovoked and unjustified attack on Ukraine, invading a sovereign nation and forcing thousands to flee their homes to seek refuge in neighboring countries; and

WHEREAS, the United States and nations around the world have united to condemn the invasion and have levied sanctions against Russia and its financial institutions; and

WHEREAS, Ukraine is on the front lines of the battle for freedom of democratic countries around the world – and the fight against the evils of dictators; and

WHEREAS, the people and leaders of Ukraine have demonstrated incredible resolve, tenacity, and bravery in the face of the Russian invasion; and

WHEREAS, the City of Dallas, Texas, is home to a robust Ukrainian community, and Dallas is an international city — a welcoming place to people, businesses, and institutions from all over the world.

Now, Therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DALLAS:

SECTION 1. That the City of Dallas condemns Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine and stands with the Ukrainian people, with the Ukrainian community that now calls Dallas home, and with people in Russia and all over the world who are calling for peace and an end to Vladimir Putin’s war.

SECTION 2. That the City of Dallas supports the coalition of nations imposing sanctions on Russia and encourages its international business, civic, and philanthropic communities to support the Ukrainian people in all possible ways in their fight to retain their freedom.

SECTION 3. That while Vladimir Putin holds power over Russia, the City of Dallas hereby suspends any formal diplomatic ties with Russia, including the official relationship with Saratov, Russia and the potential establishment of any trade offices. However, the City of Dallas recognizes the long-time cultural, educational, and medical ties with the people of Saratov and supports any efforts by the people of Dallas and Saratov to work toward peace and understanding during this challenging time.

SECTION 4. That the City Council will not authorize any city contracts with any entities with significant ties to the Russian regime under Vladimir Putin.

SECTION 5. That the City Secretary of Dallas attests and affixes the seal of the City of Dallas to this resolution and that a copy be transmitted to the United States Department of State, the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth, the Dallas Regional Chamber, and the Ukrainian American Society of Texas.

SECTION 6. That this resolution shall take effect immediately from and after its passage in accordance with the provisions of the Charter of the City of Dallas, and it is accordingly so resolved.