Anniversary of the Invasion of Ukraine
Statement of Continued Support of Ukraine
Global Cleveland, the City of Cleveland and Cuyahoga County have released a joint statement reaffirming their continued support of Ukraine a year after the full-blown invasion of Ukraine by Russia.
The below statement is endorsed by Joe Cimperman, president of Global Cleveland; Justin Bibb, Mayor of the City of Cleveland; and Chris Ronayne, Cuyahoga County Executive.
Local Leaders Meet on Ukraine
Global Cleveland joined Senator Sherrod Brown and other local organization and faith leaders at the Ukrainian Museum Archives to discuss how our region can continue to support Ukrainians.
Representatives from Global Cleveland also participated in an in-depth conversation with Representative Miller (OH) regarding continuing support for Ukraine. We sat alongside leaders of the Ukrainian community and clergy, who relayed messages of the need for further commitment to Ukrainian democracy, sovereignty, and freedom.
Northeast Ohio Lights Up the Night to Support Ukraine
Global Cleveland is encouraging businesses and individuals across the Greater Cleveland area to visually express solidarity and support for Ukraine. After the sun sets Feb. 23 and 24, Global Cleveland asks that citizens illuminate their apartments, homes, and storefronts with blue and yellow lighting. Terminal Tower in downtown Cleveland will be lit in blue and yellow these nights to show support for Ukrainians.
“Lighting our buildings with the color of the Ukraine flag sends a message of solidary and welcome to Ukrainians around the globe,” Joe Cimperman, president of Global Cleveland, said. “Not only are we advocating for victory for Ukraine, but we’re also showing the world that Northeast Ohio is a region where those affected by violence can find welcome, prosperity, and refuge.”
Citizens showed their support Feb. 25 by joining a candlelit vigil to remember and honor the lives lost as a result of the war. The vigil was hosted by the Cleveland Maidan Association and St. Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral in partnership with Global Cleveland, United Ukrainian Organizations of Ohio, “Save Ukraine” Community Organization, and Ukrainian Museum Archives. A prayer service at St. Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral (5913 State Rd., Parma, OH 44134) began at 5 p.m., followed by a community gathering at 6 p.m.
“Just over a year ago, no one would have believed that we would have a devastating war and humanitarian catastrophe on the European continent,” Dr. Taras Mahlay of the Cleveland Maidan Association said. “The world would have never imagined that Ukrainian homes and infrastructure would be shelled daily, millions of Ukrainians would be forced from their homes, and tens of thousands of casualties would be occurring on Ukrainian soil.”
“Our community will be gathering to pray for the souls who have been lost to this war and to pray for the Ukrainians enduring persisting evil,” said Dr. Mahlay. “The Ukrainian community also wants to thank Northeastern Ohio for all their support with a gathering in the church hall.”
