SENATE MEMORIAL 64
56th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2023
INTRODUCED BY
Brenda G. McKenna and Antoinette Sedillo Lopez and
Martin Hickey and Harold Pope and Leo Jaramillo
A MEMORIAL
SUPPORTING UKRAINE AGAINST RUSSIAN AGGRESSION AND URGING RUSSIA TO IMMEDIATELY CEASE ITS ATTACK.
WHEREAS, following the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Ukrainian people voted overwhelmingly to form a nation independent from Russia and built a thriving democratic country grounded in the rule of law and led by democratically elected President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal; and
WHEREAS, Ukraine is recognized as a peaceful and honorable democratic republic; and
WHEREAS, the Russian Federation annexed territory from Ukraine in 2014 and instigated, supported and supplied a deadly separatist war in eastern Ukraine that has destabilized the region and killed thousands of civilians; and
WHEREAS, Vladimir Putin told his own people and the global community that Ukraine posed a threat and had false connections with Nazi political leaders in order to create a pretext for an invasion and occupation of Ukraine; and
WHEREAS, the Russian Federation violated international peace and security agreements that would have provided a peaceful solution in Ukraine and instead invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, launching an unprovoked war; and
WHEREAS, Russia has targeted and destroyed residential structures, hospitals, schools, energy grids, water systems, businesses and critical infrastructure that support Ukrainian life through the use of missiles, rockets, bombs, drones and other means of targeted and indiscriminate destruction; and
WHEREAS, Russia has damaged Ukrainian cultural institutions, religious sites and heritage; and
WHEREAS, Russia has committed potential violations of human rights and international humanitarian law; and
WHEREAS, Russia's war on Ukraine has disrupted international economies, resources and food supplies and negatively impacted the environment; and
WHEREAS, in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the United States has galvanized the international community to impose sanctions on Russia and provide Ukraine with equipment to defend its territory and people; and
WHEREAS, as the leaders, military and citizens of Ukraine continue to valiantly stand up and fight against Russia's invasion, Ukraine deserves the continued support of the international community;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the members of the legislature proudly stand in solidarity with Ukraine, its people and its leaders, and commend them for their resiliency, courage and relentless fight to protect their right to self-determination and self-governance; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the members of the legislature condemn Russia for its attack and urge Russia to immediately cease its assault upon Ukraine, withdraw its troops and abide by the rules-based international legal regime; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the president of the United States, the secretary of state of the United States, the secretary of defense of the United States, the United States senate, the United States house of representatives, members of the New Mexico legislature and the Ukrainian embassy.
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