A RESOLUTION, Urging support for the people of Ukraine.

WHEREAS, in recent days, Russian President Vladimir Putin amassed a large military force and invaded the sovereign nation of Ukraine; and

WHEREAS, with little-to-no assistance from other sovereign nations—apart from weapons, financial aid, and the imposition of economic sanctions—the people of Ukraine have put forth a herculean effort to protect their homeland and to repel the Russian invasion; and

WHEREAS, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the great grandson of a Jewish Holocaust victim, has become a stalwart of hope for his struggling nation, vowing to stay in Ukraine, with his family, and fight for his beloved country, and turning down offers of evacuation with the quip, “I need ammunition, not a ride”; and

WHEREAS, President Zelenskyy has inspired his countrymen to fight by his refusal to leave and his strength and courage in the face of overwhelming odds; and

WHEREAS, President Zelenskyy, the Ukrainian Military, and a courageous Ukrainian people, are together thwarting the Russian Army’s attempts to invade and ultimately destroy their nation; and

WHEREAS, many South Dakotans have friends and relatives in Ukraine and all South Dakotans honor the valiant effort of Ukrainians to confront the invading army and preserve and protect the country they love:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the House of Representatives of the Ninety-Seventh Legislature of the State of South Dakota, that the House stands with the people of Ukraine during this desperate time and strongly urges the United States Government to utilize all political and diplomatic means to support and strengthen the defense of Ukraine, as the battle for Ukrainian lives and liberties continues.

Adopted by the House of Representatives, March 7, 2022

_____________________ _____________________ Spencer Gosch Patricia Miller Speaker of the House Chief Clerk