Utah County Commission adopts resolution backing Ukraine, orders Ukrainian flag flown for one week

The Utah County Commission voted unanimously on March 2 to adopt a resolution condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and expressing the county’s solidarity with the Ukrainian people.

The resolution, read aloud by a commission speaker, recounts Ukraine’s independence after the Soviet Union, cites the Budapest Memorandum and recent military actions, and "denounces Russia's baseless invasion of Ukraine." It directs that the Ukrainian national flag be raised on the northwest corner of the historic Utah County Courthouse beginning March 2, 2022, and remain there until 4 p.m. on March 9, 2022.

Unidentified Speaker S5 read the resolution text in English and then the commission invited guests who grew up in Ukraine to read portions in their native languages. Following the adoption, the sheriff led commissioners and guests to the courthouse to raise the Ukrainian flag.

Commissioners spoke briefly in support of the measure. One commissioner who seconded the motion said the moment may mark a turning point and urged residents to consider ways to help, including vetted charitable organizations he planned to place in the record. The motion carried on an "aye" vote recorded as 3–0.

The resolution also urges state and federal leaders and allies to take appropriate actions to support Ukraine and mentions economic sanctions and other measures in response to the invasion. The commission directed that copies of the resolution be transmitted to the Utah Speaker of the House, the Utah Senate president, the governor, each member of Utah County's legislative caucus and city managers within the county.

The immediate next step after the meeting was the flag-raising ceremony at the courthouse; the flag will be lowered and the Utah County flag restored at 4 p.m. on March 9, 2022.