Photo provided
Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb is the first U.S. Governor to visit Ukraine since the Russian invasion began in 2022. On Thursday, there was a joint press conference where The 812's Ellie Acra attended.
Here is Ellie's report:
(KYIV, Ukraine) -- Governor Holcomb visited Kyiv today where he met with President Zelenskyy and signed an agreement with the Ukrainian province of Zhytomyr Oblast. Holcomb is the first U.S. governor to visit Ukraine since the Russian invasion.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Indiana and Zhytomyr Oblast establishes an economic, academic and cultural relationship with the Ukrainian province in what Holcomb called the “first step” in building a more formalized partnership.
According to Holcomb, this partnership will build up both communities of Hoosiers and Ukranaians through collaborative efforts in academia, agriculture and economic development. The collaboration will focus on partnerships in higher education and talent sharing, ag and manufacturing investment, economic development and cultural initiatives.
“Today the pen becomes just as important as the sword,” said Holcomb.
He commended Ukraine’s “courage, resilience, decency, savvy, and ingenuity” in the war with Russia, while pointing to Russia’s lack of moral code in wartime. Holcomb said, “I see and choose not to look the other way.”
The governor also signaled a lasting friendship between the country and the Hoosier state, stating that the heartland of America is “with you” and “on your team.” Holcomb said these partnerships in Ukraine have been in the works for a number of years, citing developers from Indiana that have visited the region and scholarships for Ukrainian students to study at Indiana universities. The governor categorized the MoU as a formalization of the support for Ukraine stemming from Indiana, while stating that the partnership will bring mutual benefits to the Hoosier state.
When asked about concern among Americans over U.S. involvement in Ukraine, Holcomb said he believes the cost of peace pales in comparison to the cost of a wider war. Holcomb shared that he “does not trust” Vladimir Putin and believes Putin has plans reaching beyond Ukraine to take over more land and create a broader conflict. Amidst wavering support for Ukraine in the country, Holcomb said he will leave the international affairs up to the federal government while expressing what he believes is Indiana’s support through this partnership.
Holcomb emphasized the importance of being a friend not only in word, but also in deed, and encouraged other governors to visit Ukraine. Though he was the first governor to formalize a state-to-state partnership in the country, Holcomb says he won’t be the last.
Holcomb’s remarks concluded by telling Hoosiers and Ukrainians that “now is the time for construction.”
The governor will also meet with the Ukrainian Prime Minister and visit the Wall of Remembrance in Kyiv today before returning home to Indiana.
コメント