Statement by The U.S. Conference of Mayors on the Killing of Ukrainian Mayor Yuriy Prilipko By Russian Forces

Washington, DC—Below is a statement by U.S. Conference of Mayors President Miami Mayor Francis Suarez on the death of Ukrainian Mayor Yuriy Prilipko:

“As President of the United States Conference of Mayors, I am deeply saddened to learn of the tragic and senseless death of Yuriy Prilipko, mayor of Gostomel, Ukraine. It is clear Mayor Prilipko cared deeply for his fellow Ukrainians, spending his final days handing out bread and medicine to vulnerable citizens. We join the people of Gostomel and Ukraine in mourning his loss.

“Our nation’s mayors and I condemn Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. We were grateful to speak with Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko and Ukrainian Ambassador to the United States, Oksana Markarova, during the Conference’s Winter Leadership Meeting in Miami last week as we continue to stand in solidarity with Ukraine’s leaders and the Ukrainian people as they resist this unnecessary and unprovoked war of aggression. We will continue to support the freedom of Ukraine, the larger Ukrainian community, and our fellow mayors who serve the Ukrainian people.”