Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan and state lawmakers held a vigil for Ukraine in front of the Capitol in Annapolis. After the vigil Wednesday night, the dome of the historic Maryland State House was colored with blue and yellow lights, the colors of Ukraine’s flag.
Hogan announced Monday that Maryland has dissolved a sister-state relationship with Russia’s Leningrad region in response to the invasion of Ukraine. Maryland lawmakers are scheduled to hold a hearing on Thursday with the state’s pension system to better understand the system’s current investments, federal requirements and potential steps for divestment from Russia.
One of the people who attended has family and friends who live in Ukraine. She said her communication with them has changed from sending “Good morning” texts to “Are you alive?”
Others were present to show support and solidarity with the Ukrainian people. Jennie Rasmussen, of Annapolis, said she wants the people of Ukraine to know that “We see them. We see what’s happening to them and it’s a war crime.” She brought her 7-year-old daughter with her, who said she likes showing the world that she cares.
Chris Spain lives in Annapolis but she is from Ukraine. She said she is very proud of her family members still there who are standing up for freedom.
George Kohutiak is a first-generation American, whose grandparents and parents emigrated from Ukraine. He called what’s happening following the Russian invasion “appalling.” He said that for older family members, it’s like reliving a lot of the past when they fled during World War II.
WTOP’s Abigail Constantino and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
