The Kyiv Region surrounds Ukraine’s capital city of Kyiv. In the two years since the Russian invasion began, more than 1,600 residents of the area have been killed. Russian munitions have damaged 24,000 homes.
“When Russia began its invasion, they told civilians to wear white ribbons,” says the region's governor Ruslan Kravchenko. “In the mass graves we found, many of those people wore white ribbons around their wrists.”
There are two sides to this war: good and evil. By supporting Ukraine, Washingtonians are standing on the side of good. On Friday, Gov. Jay Inslee and Kravchenko agreed to the first Sister State relationship between an American state and a Ukrainian region since the Russian invasion began in 2022.
"This Sister State relationship is to our benefit. We know Ukraine will rebuild, and that is an economic opportunity for us both. That rebuilding is already underway - they have already rebuilt tens of thousands of the homes that were destroyed," said Inslee. "It's truly extraordinary."
The agreement facilitates new relationships between Ukrainian and Washingtonian businesses. From building materials to technology to military armaments, Washington businesses can serve many of Ukraine's needs. Likewise, Ukraine manufactures sugar, ores, and other products that local enterprises require.
Inslee continues to urge Congress to support Ukraine's defense of its freedom and its people. While the Senate recently authorized a critical aid package, House inaction is eroding Ukraine's strength.
“We must send a message to the world that the U.S. stands for freedom and democracy and against tyranny and terror. It’s time for House Republicans to join us,” wrote U.S. Rep. Marilyn Strickland.