To show their support for Ukraine, the governors of Texas and Utah have asked businesses to remove Russian merchandise from their stores’ shelves.
The story was initially reported by the Houston Chronicle and other media sites.
Following Russia’s incursion into Ukraine, world leaders have been encouraged to censure the country. US President Joe Biden announced penalties on Friday, while the EU and the United Kingdom have also taken similar steps.
According to an executive order signed by Utah Gov. Spencer J. Cox, the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control is required to “immediately remove from its shelves all Russian-produced and Russian-branded items.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s “ruthless attack on a sovereign nation is an outrageous breach of human rights,” according to Cox.
“Utah is united with the people of Ukraine and clearly condemns the continuation of the Russian invasion,” Cox concluded.
He also pledged that the state would take whatever measures were necessary to assist the people of Ukraine in their time of need.
A similar step was taken by the governor of Texas, Greg Abbott, who tweeted on Saturday that he had ordered restaurants, bars, and stores to remove Russian products from their shelves.
“I’ve urged the Texas Restaurant Association, the Texas Package Stores Association, and all Texas retailers to voluntarily remove all Russian products from their shelves,” Abbott stated.
“Texas is standing with Ukraine,” he continued.
In an interview with Insider, Emily Williams Knight, president and CEO of the Texas Restaurant Association, stated that the organization “stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and stands ready to assist businesses as they support economic sanctions by finding alternatives to Russian imports.”
The United States joins worldwide prayers for peace and safety during this difficult time.”
“We also want to remind clients that our adversary is not Russian-Americans or immigrants, nor are they the Russian people themselves,” she continued. “We stand in solidarity with everyone who opposes the bloodshed taking place in Ukraine.”
In response to Insider’s request for comment, which was made outside of normal working hours, neither the governor’s offices nor the Texas Package Stores Association responded promptly.
In a statement released Thursday, President Joe Biden stated that “this is a perilous time for all of Europe” and the rest of the globe, and that “further harsh penalties” against Russia have been authorized.
