Buffalo, NY—Mayor Byron W. Brown raised the Ukrainian national flag in Niagara Square as a way of expressing the City of Buffalo’s solidarity with the people and government of Ukraine as they continue their heroic struggle to halt the invasion of their country by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s military.
Mayor Brown said, “Any attempt to stifle democracy through aggression against a sovereign nation by another is an affront which must be protested and resisted. Buffalo’s Ukrainian-American community deserves our support and sympathy and the raising of this flag allows every resident, but especially those of Ukrainian descent, to express their solidarity with the women, men, and children of Ukraine. While I hope there is a speedy withdrawal of Russian military forces and a return to peaceful relations between Moscow and Kyiv which respects the democratically elected leadership of Ukraine, I remain committed to supporting sanctions against the Russian government and any other action taken to hold those who initiated this conflict accountable for the needless death and destruction which has occurred.”
In addition to the raising of the Ukrainian flag, Mayor Brown is also asking residents who can, to consider donating to one of the charities or relief agencies helping Ukrainian refugees who have been evacuated from their homes. Additionally, the Mayor will ensure that Buffalo will welcome any refugees whom the federal government will help relocate to the United States as they escape from the Russian military and are searching for temporary new homes.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Ukraine and the Ukrainian Americans that are located in Western New York.”, said Council President Pridgen. “Raising the flag in Niagara Square is just a small step in showing our support for Ukraine. We will stand with Ukrainians everywhere, and commend them on their bravery and sacrifice to fight for their country.”
Councilmember Joe Golombek said, “As the son of a Polish immigrant who fled both Nazi and Soviet occupied Poland after WWII, I want to offer my support and sympathy to Ukrainians worldwide as their homeland is being invaded and occupied by the forces of Putin’s Russia.”
Yuri Hreshchyshyn, President of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America, WNY chapter, said, “The entire Buffalo and Western New York community stands with Ukraine at this time of crisis. We hope that Ukraine stands strong against the aggressor and we pray for peace.”
Paul Iskalo, President and CEO of Iskalo Development, said, “As the son of Ukrainian refugees, who fled their homeland during WWII, this is deeply personal to me. My family and I, together with the WNY Ukrainian community, stand in solidarity with our fellow Ukrainians abroad as they bravely fight to maintain the freedom and democracy earned after much sacrifice and which is now regrettably under threat yet again.”
To learn more about how to assist Ukrainian refugees visit the International Committee of the Red Cross website: www.icrc.org.