HOUSTON — Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner on Saturday issued a statement condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The statement reads in full below.
“The City of Houston condemns the unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation and stands with the people of Ukraine against the on-going violence. Our global system is built on the principle of the sovereignty of nation states – a principle violated by Russia that has damaged our entire concept of international peace."
“In Houston, we stand for freedom; for democracy; and for the safety and security of all residents. We join with cities and countries around the world calling for an immediate end to the violence, to protect human rights, and for the return of peace in Europe.”
“Symbolic of our solidarity with the Ukrainian people in Houston, in Ukraine, and around the world, those that can throughout our city will light their buildings Blue and Yellow.”
Other Texas leaders, including Reps. Sheila Jackson Lee and Al Green, recently held press conferences addressing the crisis happening in Ukraine.
Gov. Greg Abbott has also called on Texas restaurants and retailers to remove Russian products from their shelves.
RELATED: 'There's nothing we can do for them' | Texas woman worried about pregnant sister stuck in Ukraine
Many Houstonians are directly impacted by the crisis in Ukraine. Many of them have family trapped in the country.
Hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside of Houston's Russian consulate on Saturday to show their support for Ukraine.