Tallahassee cuts ties with Russian city over attack on Ukraine
Photo by St. Clair Murraine
By St. Clair Murraine
Outlook Staff Writer
While war rages in Ukraine as a result of Russia’s attack, Tallahassee has ended a sister city relationship with Krasnodar.
Tallahassee formed a sister city relationship with the Russian city in 1983. The city commission decided unanimously to sever ties to Russia at its meeting last Wednesday.
The commission also decided to show solidarity with Ukraine by illuminating the city hall building and the pedestrian bridge at Cascades Park with the blue and yellow colors of the Ukrainian flag.
“In times like these, I believe that we are unambiguous where we stand on the side of democracy and freedom against Russia,” Mayor John Dailey said before calling for a vote to dissolve the relationship with Krasnodar. “This is intended to send a clear message that Tallahassee will not be associated with Russia on this issue.”
Russia launched an attack on Ukraine on Feb. 24. The United States and some European allies have levied sanctions that seemingly are affecting the Russian economy.
“This is not to be taken as an indictment of all Russian people in any way, but instead in solidarity with Ukraine,” City Commissioner Jack Porter said before the 5-0 vote.
Tallahassee also has sister city relationships with Sligo in Ireland, St. Maarten in the Caribbean, Konongo-Odumasi in Ghana, Ramat-Hasharon in Israel, and Rugao, China. However, Dailey said the sister city concept “has pretty much been defunct.”
One of the highlights of the Krasnodar relationship was a visit to Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare by Russian physicians. It was one of the memories along with a trip to Krasnodar that former Mayor John Marks have of the relationship. Marks, who was mayor for 12 years, said commissioners made the right decision.
“As far as cutting relationships, I think it’s the appropriate and proper thing to do under the circumstance,” Marks said. “I don’t see any value to continue the sister-city relationship with Russia when you consider what has happened.”
