[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz has proclaimed Sunday, March 6, 2022, as Ukrainian Solidarity Day in the State of Minnesota to honor the bravery and resilience of the people of Ukraine as they fight to defend their country and their freedom.

“I’m proud to declare today as Ukrainian Solidarity Day in Minnesota,” said Governor Walz. “We stand with our Ukrainian community here in Minnesota and abroad as the brave and resilient people of Ukraine continue to defend freedom and democracy against this unlawful, unprovoked Russian invasion.”

“Ukrainians are our friends, family, and neighbors,” said Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. “We’re sending a clear message on Ukrainian Solidarity Day: The Ukrainian community and its allies are strong here in Minnesota and we stand with you.”

On February 24, 2022, at the direction of President Vladimir Putin, Russian military forces attacked Ukraine, an independent, sovereign, democratic state. The Ukrainian Solidarity Day declaration comes after Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan visited with Minnesotans of Ukrainian heritage , released public statements of support for Ukraine , and Governor Walz signed an executive order preventing state cabinet agencies from doing business with Russia.