WHEREAS, On February 24, 2022, the Russian military launched a full-scale military assault on Ukraine. As Russian troops invaded Ukraine, Russia launched numerous military attacks, including bombing major Ukrainian cities; and

WHEREAS, As the Ukrainian military has valiantly defended its homeland, the fighting has created a humanitarian crisis among the country’s civilians. Just one week into the conflict, one million Ukrainian refugees have fled to other countries. It has been estimated that this figure may climb to several million; and

WHEREAS, These Ukrainian refugees have numerous needs that must be met. Fleeing their homes, Ukrainian refugees need access to housing, education, health care, and other basic needs. It is paramount for other countries to limit the damage done by Russia’s violence against Ukraine, especially if those other countries, such as the United States, can take in and support Ukrainian refugees; and

WHEREAS, As a world leader in standing up against oppression, the United States has an obligation to commit itself to supporting Ukrainian refugees, including facilitating their resettlement. As Ukraine’s neighbors may be overwhelmed by the scale of the crisis, the federal government of the United States should take action to ensure that Ukrainian refugees are able to be resettled in the United States; and

WHEREAS, California must also do its part in addressing this global crisis. Our state must stand ready to do its part in supporting refugees fleeing wars of aggression; now, therefore, be it