Turning heartbreak into direct action that helps people who are suffering is what New York City is all about.

Dear New Yorkers,

The world has watched in horror as Russian President Vladimir Putin continues to escalate a vicious and unjust war in Ukraine, driving deaths, destruction and displacement of more than two million civilians. New York City is home to one of the world’s largest populations of Ukrainians, and our hearts are with the people of Ukraine, the many Russians who are bravely protesting this war, and with Ukrainian Americans watching in fear for friends and family.

Russia’s aggression in Ukraine merits the swift global action we’ve already begun to see to cut President Putin and the oligarchs who enable him off from the global financial system. I am proud to share that some of the New York City pension funds have already joined global efforts to raise the costs of this unjustified war, acting in the interest of both peace and their beneficiaries by voting to divest from Russian securities.

The NYC pension system is comprised of five distinct pension plans, with governance of each plan comprised of both labor and NYC elected official representatives. All decisions, including potential divestment of Russian assets, are made separately by each of the five pension plan boards, consistent with fiduciary duty. So far this month, the Police Pension Fund, NYC Employees Retirement System (NYCERS), and Teachers Retirement System (TRS) voted to divest Russian securities, which prior to the war collectively held approximately $163 million in value.

It is our hope that the world’s response accelerates an end to aggression and a swift resolution that saves lives and supports the many people displaced by this violence.

This crisis has seen energy prices spike as the Federal government has banned all Russian oil and gas imports. This is the cost of taking a stand against an authoritarian petrostate, but we also must confront domestic oil companies ([link removed]) that are using this crisis as an excuse to pad their profits.

This is a war of choice by Russia’s leaders, but many local Russian businesses – many of which are owned by Ukrainians – are unfairly paying a price.

That’s why I spent Friday afternoon in Brighton Beach, visiting local Russian and Ukrainian businesses. ([link removed]) People there are deeply worried about their countries. No one wants this war. Every person I spoke with had pain in their eyes from describing the horrors their friends and family are enduring.

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I met a woman named Inga, who owns a salon. Her brother and mother are still in Kyiv. Her brother works for the Ukrainian sports ministry, organizing wrestling tournaments at public sports complexes. Now, the sports complexes are shelters and supply hubs for displaced families.

Inga is doing similar work in Brooklyn, turning her salon into a relief center where donated items—such as diapers and face masks—are sent to Ukraine to help those on the ground resisting the invasion.

So many small businesses are rallying support and gathering supplies to be sent to Ukraine. Turning heartbreak into direct action that helps people who are suffering is what New York City is all about. I’m so grateful to everyone stepping up to help however they can.

There is a robust anti-war movement in Southern Brooklyn, and we should stand with them in this crucial moment in time. And there are few places better to show solidarity than taking a trip to Brighton Beach and supporting some of the New Yorkers most impacted by Putin’s aggression.

New York stands ready to help Ukrainians fleeing war, and the City has put together a resource guide ([link removed]) to help navigate immigration issues, City services, and how to contact the Ukrainian Consulate.

As we navigate the days and weeks ahead, it’s vital that we maintain a sense of solidarity. From Brighton Beach to the Bronx, New Yorkers stand united against war.

In solidarity,

Brad

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