Hoffman Reacts to Russian Invasion of Ukraine, Encourages State Divestment

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Assistant Majority Leader Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, introduced a resolution condemning the invasion and issued the following statement:

“For the past few years, Ukraine’s sovereignty has been under attack as Russian President Vladimir Putin instigated aggression along the border between Russia and Ukraine. Putin first invaded and annexed the Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea in 2014 and, on Feb. 24 of this year, he started a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Putin’s war jeopardizes the democracy of Ukraine and the rest of Europe.”

“The war may seem like a far-off issue to most Illinoisans, but not to the 50,000 Ukrainian-Americans who currently call Illinois home, and we must show solidarity with Ukrainians.”

“We cannot let Putin’s actions go unanswered. Removing any funds invested into Russian entities is a necessary first step in Illinois’ support of Ukrainians. We should review and divest all funds invested by any state or local unit of government, including but not limited to investments made by the State Board of Investments and any state or local retirement funds that are directly or indirectly related to Russia, to show solidarity with the people of Ukraine.”