Gov. Cox invites the public to a rally to ‘stand with Ukraine’
Feb 28, 2022, 11:46 AM | Updated: Jun 7, 2022, 3:01 pm
SALT LAKE CITY — Utahns can show their solidarity with the people of Ukraine by attending a rally at the Utah Capitol.
Gov. Spencer Cox is inviting Utahns to join him and Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson on the south steps of the capitol at 5 p.m. Monday to honor and support the brave men and women in Ukraine as they fight for their independence.
Help show Utah’s support for the people of Ukraine 🇺🇦
Join us for a #StandWithUkraine rally at the State Capitol at 5 p.m. pic.twitter.com/xCOocddUOj
— Utah Gov. Spencer J. Cox (@GovCox) February 28, 2022
A conflict nearly 6,000 miles away — where Ukrainians are putting up a fierce fight against Russia — is on the minds and hearts of Utahns.
“A lot of people in Utah are very concerned about making sure we show our strong support for freedom and democracy,” Henderson said.
The “Stand with Ukraine” rally is a gesture Rep. Jordan Teuscher of South Jordan appreciates.
“It has been a really tough, few days to be honest,” he said.
Teuscher’s wife is from Ukraine and he served a mission there for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
“It has been a real gutting experience to see places where you have walked that now there’s fighting in the streets.”
Cox has taken steps against Russia locally.
He issued an executive order to pull all Russian vodka off of state-run liquor store shelves immediately and is reviewing state contracts with Russian companies to see if they’re worth keeping.
Gov. Cox orders the removal of all Russian products from state liquor stores
“We understand that supporting Russian businesses in any way is support for the Russian government right now,” said Henderson.
With no resolution in sight, Utah’s leaders will try to offer some hope by lighting the Capitol in blue and yellow.
“I don’t think anyone knows how this thing ends,” said Teuscher. “A lot of people still figuring out what is the end game.”
The University of Utah also announced this morning they will light the U in conjunction with the capitol rally.
Tonight in connection with the State Capitol @GovCox rally we will light the U to #StandWithUkraine🇺🇦 https://t.co/ap46NvIYR5
— UofU President (@PresidentUofU) February 28, 2022
Henderson said if people can’t make it out to Monday’s rally at the Capitol, they can organize their own in neighborhoods across the state.
