(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Mayor Lori Lightfoot said she's proud of the way Chicago has helped Ukrainians so far, but she wants that spirit to continue for Chicagoans.
"I think it's — for us in Chicago, with such a long history of Ukrainians being a part of the fabric of Chicago — that we've got to continue to lift and raise our voices to make sure that we're being supportive,” she said. “But we're condemning the daily atrocities that we're seeing being committed by Putin and the Russian army."
Along with welcoming refugees to Chicago, Lightfoot said her priority is providing food and other supplies for refugees in Chicago and Ukraine.
She encouraged other leaders and Chicagoans to also stand up for the people of Ukraine by donating their time and resources.
"We're going to continue to be part of the infrastructure that's been built to provide equipment, supplies, and support for the Ukrainian people,” the mayor said. “So, anyone listening within the sound of my voice, anybody who cares about freedom has to be all in and supporting Ukraine."
U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin was among the elected officials who joined Lightfoot. Durbin said it's crucial that he and other community and state leaders stay committed to supporting Ukraine, even if it might be difficult.
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"Standing our ground now may cause hardship and inconvenience at the gas pump or in the cost of heating,” Durbin said. “But it's a small price to pay when you consider the alternative."
Consul General of Ukraine Serhiy Koledov was also at the briefing, and he urged business to stop operations in Russia.
"We call on companies which [do] business in Russia and has their headquarters in the Midwest to join the ethically and socially responsible global business, which have already stopped operation we saw in Russia [and refuse] to finance Russian violence, murders and crimes against humanity with the texts," Koledov said.
Lightfoot, Durbin, and Koledov said they'll continue to think of new ways to support Ukraine, especially as the winter months approach.
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