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Oregon committee holds public hearing on ceremonial sister-state resolution with Cherkasy Oblast, Ukraine
Summary
Senate Concurrent Resolution 23 would establish a ceremonial sister-state relationship between Oregon and Cherkasy Oblast, Ukraine, and condemn Russia's invasion; dozens of local residents, organization representatives, and Ukrainian expatriates testified in favor, citing cultural, humanitarian, and economic ties and describing ongoing needs in
Senate Concurrent Resolution 23 would establish a ceremonial sister-state relationship between Oregon and Cherkasy Oblast (Cherkasy region) of Ukraine, express solidarity with the people of Ukraine, and condemn Russia's war, the committee heard on March 6.
Sponsor and overview: Committee staff summarized the resolution as supporting a ceremonial sister-state relationship with Cherkasy Oblast and condemning Russia's war against Ukraine. Chair Manning and sponsor testimony framed the measure as cultural diplomacy and humanitarian solidarity.
Public testimony: Multiple speakers urged the committee to adopt SCR 23. Julia Bragdorf, identified as president of a local diaspora organization, described Cherkasy as "a region of resistance and resilience" and said a sister-state relationship "is more than symbolic" because it can foster trade, education, and humanitarian collaboration. Eric Kozick, a Portland resident and volunteer for Ukrainian aid, called the partnership good for both communities and for economic cooperation.
Several speakers who are Ukrainian nationals or recent arrivals described personal experience of shelling and displacement. Tatiana Komarali, who said she is from Kyiv and works in Slavic social services in Oregon, recounted repeated shelling and the trauma of displacement. Edward Buck Shannon read a letter from residents of Cherkasy that described missile attacks, community mobilization to support displaced people and the front lines, and gratitude for Oregon's hospitality.
Others cited cultural and economic benefits: Melissa Kinyazeva noted education and human capital ties and gave an example of people traveling to sister cities; Caden Waite, who has traveled to Ukraine multiple times, said Cherkasy and Portland are natural partners because both are regional hubs on major rivers with strong arts communities.
Committee comments and next steps: Committee members expressed support; one senator proposed whereas clauses condemning war crimes and praising Ukrainian leadership (those were expressed as personal statements and not incorporated into the resolution during the hearing). The committee indicated it would schedule a work session and add SCR 23 to the agenda for a work session on March 11. The chair closed the public hearing after extended testimony and thanked witnesses.
Context and aid delivery: Testimony included descriptions of ongoing humanitarian and medical aid efforts organized by Oregon nonprofits; one witness described shipping containers of donated medical supplies and the need for specialized instruments and consumables. Several speakers described plans to continue volunteer trips and medical deliveries to front-line hospitals.
The committee closed the public hearing and plans to set a work session date to consider SCR 23 further.
