In reaction to the Russia-Ukraine crisis, Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson has called for the city to cut ties with Russia.
Johnson, in a memo sent to city officials, condemned “the Russian Federation’s invasion of Ukraine.” He then suggested that officials should not approve city contracts with entities that have significant ties to Russia.
The memo directly referred to Dallas’ official relationship with Saratov, a city in southwestern Russia around 520 miles southeast of Moscow.
Johnson stated in the memo he was “calling on [Dallas’] business, civic, and philanthropic communities to support Ukraine,” by “suspending the City of Dallas’ official relationship with Saratov, Russia,” “agreeing [not to] approve city contracts with entities that have significant Russian ties,” and “encouraging people-to-people work toward peace.”
Since 2004, Dallas and Saratov have been in an official partnership aimed at building global cooperation at the municipal level through economy and culture. The Russian city is recognized as one of Dallas’ twelve international “Sister and Friendship” cities, per WFAA.
Johnson explained that the move would send a clear message that Dallas supports and stands in solidarity with Ukraine.
In consideration of the long-time ties with the Russian city, Johnson suggested that the City support efforts by the people of Dallas and Saratov “to work toward peace and understanding during this challenging time.”
The Dallas City Council was set to vote on the Mayor’s resolution during the meeting scheduled for March 9.