LOS ANGELES—A motion to begin the process of adopting Kyiv, Ukraine, as a Los Angeles sister city—which would allow LA to send Kyiv retired goods such as fire trucks and ambulances—will be considered by the City Council Friday.
The motion, presented by Councilman Joe Buscaino, acknowledges that it is “literally the last thing on the minds of the leaders of Kyiv”—but it calls for initiating the sister city process now as a sign of support for the Ukrainian capital amid Russia’s invasion.
The practical details will be worked out “far in the future,” the motion states.
Normally, the governments of both cities would meet and conduct a formal process to become sister cities, which can take nearly a year, according to the motion, which adds that moving forward with the designation “means the city [of LA] can more easily provide aid to Ukraine in the months ahead.”
The motion was seconded by Councilwoman Nithya Raman and Councilmen Paul Koretz and Mitch O'Farrell.
On March 8, the council unanimously approved a resolution to strongly condemn “the egregious actions of (Russian) President Vladimir Putin for ordering the invasion of Ukraine.”
The resolution—which was led by Councilman Paul Koretz and introduced by five council members—also includes a call for international or federal divestment of all holdings from, and investments in, Russia.
It further condemns Putin’s actions and those of any country that supports Russia, or supports publicly traded Russian companies, real estate, or private equity.
Koretz introduced that resolution with Council President Nury Martinez, Councilwomen Monica Rodriguez and Nithya Raman, and Councilman Kevin de León.
