Governor Polis Releases Statement on 2nd Anniversary of Putin's Brutal Invasion of Ukraine

DENVER - Today, Governor Polis released a statement acknowledging the 2nd Anniversary of Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. 

“Two years ago today, Russia attacked Ukraine. Colorado stands with Ukraine today, just as we did two years ago when dictator Vladimir Putin's war began. Putin’s aggressive and globally destabilizing actions pose a risk to safety and security around the world, and I encourage Congress to pass additional support to help Ukraine defend itself from Russian aggression. Today is a reminder of our critical role in supporting our international allies and protecting democracy abroad. Here in Colorado, our thoughts are with the brave Ukrainian people as they stand up against this attack,” said Colorado Governor Jared Polis.

Since Putin’s invasion of Ukraine began, Governor Polis and his administration have taken significant steps to support Ukraine and condemn Putin’s actions. 

• Governor Polis directed state agencies to terminate any contract with Russian state-owned contractors or subcontractors. 

• The Polis Administration ensured future procurement efforts analyze any possible connection with Russian state-owned companies. 

• At Governor Polis’s direction, Higher Education Institutions divested from Russian State-owned companies. 

• Colorado PERA also quickly divested $7.2 Million from a Russian bank and Governor Polis urged them to completely divest the PERA Trust Fund from all Russian State-Owned companies. 

• Colorado cut diplomatic ties with Russia. 

• The Colorado Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) collected and sent ballistic helmets and surplus body armor to Ukraine. 

• Using executive action, Governor Polis directed the Office of New Americans to support Ukrainian-born Coloradans and embrace those fleeing Putin's violence. 

While in Washington DC, for the National Governors Association Winter Meeting this week, Governor Polis spoke with the Ukrainian Ambassador to the United States, Oksana Markarova, and reiterated Colorado's support of Ukraine. 

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