LOS ANGELES (CNS) - The Los Angeles City Council will vote today on a resolution to strongly condemn ``the egregious actions of (Russian) President Vladimir Putin for ordering the invasion of Ukraine.''
The resolution -- which was led by Councilman Paul Koretz and introduced by five City Council members -- also includes a call for international or federal divestment of all holdings from, and investments in, Russia.
It further condemns Putin's actions and those of any country that supports Russia, or supports publicly traded Russian companies, real estate or private equity.
``With the Russians marching on Kyiv, there is not a moment to lose,'' Koretz said when the motion was introduced on March 1.
``We must use every lever at our disposal, financial or otherwise, to tell Vladimir Putin this unprovoked invasion is unacceptable. Particularly after the past two years of COVID, the international community needs to work together to refresh and rebuild our economies, not attack and destroy. Putin must be stopped.''
Koretz introduced the resolution with Council President Nury Martinez, Councilwomen Monica Rodriguez and Nithya Raman, and Councilman Kevin de León.
``The city of Los Angeles stands firmly with Ukraine and its people and strongly condemns President Putin's reckless actions against Ukraine,'' the resolution states.
The resolution includes support and celebration of Los Angeles' Russian community, culture and local Russian-owned businesses.
Councilman Joe Buscaino, who seconded the resolution, also introduced a motion on March 1 aimed at declaring Ukraine's capital city Kyiv a Los Angeles Sister City as a gesture of solidarity. If Kyiv is declared a sister city, Los Angeles would be able to send retired city goods, including fire trucks and ambulances.
``The world continues to be horrified by the images and videos coming from Kyiv, Ukraine; however, people across the globe have also been inspired by the resilience and fortitude of the people of Ukraine including President Volodymyr Zelensky -- everyday citizens who have taken a stand for their country, democracy and freedom,'' Buscaino said.
``A sister cities relationship is a `people-to-people' program aimed at establishing greater friendship and understanding with peoples of other nations and that relationship enables the city to donate retired city goods such as fire trucks and ambulances,'' he added. ``Los Angeles should do everything in its power to support the people of Ukraine in their fight for our shared values of self-determination, democracy, and freedom.''
The motion to make Kyiv a Los Angeles Sister City was not immediately scheduled for a vote.