The New Jersey Senate this afternoon formally condemned – by a vote of 39-0 – Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, a sovereign nation; and backed a bill prohibiting various state government dealings with businesses associated with Belarus or Russia.

“Putin, you’re a bastard. May you rot in hell,” former Governor (and state Senator) Richard J. Codey (D-27) said on the floor of the senate. “People like him should not exist.”

Senator Joe Cryan (D-20) likewise voiced strong words against Russia’s attack of Ukraine and expressed his admiration for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. “A leader of world renown,” Cryan said of Zelensky, who – when offered a passage of escape out of his country by NATO, retorted that he needed ammunition, not a ride.

New Jersey is among the top four states in the country in terms of Ukrainian population.

“Thank God; wonderful people,” said Codey.

While strong, the Legislature’s condemning statement – coupled with the bill prohibiting state government from business dealings with anyone associated with Russia and Belarus – appears insufficient to the challenge. The state senate’s resolution came as Zelensky tried to bring Putin to the negotiating table, as Putin escalated his bloody assault on Ukraine.

The west is increasingly concerned about Putin’s actions, and their implications for NATO and the United States.

From The Economist: 

“Marvel at the heroism and resilience of Ukraine. In the first days of war, the armored might of Vladimir Putin shriveled before the courage of the nation he had attacked. In the face of Mr. Putin’s invasion, the Ukrainian people have discovered they are ready to die for the idea that they should choose their own destiny. To a cynical dictator that must be incomprehensible. To the rest of humanity it is an inspiration.

“If only this week’s bravery were enough to bring the fighting to an end. Alas, Russia’s president will not withdraw so easily. From the start, Mr. Putin has made clear that this is a war of escalation—a hygienic word for a dirty and potentially catastrophic reality. At its most brutal, escalation means that, whatever the world does, Mr. Putin threatens to be more violent and more destructive even, he growls, if that means resorting to a nuclear weapon.”

For the moment, state Senator Paul Sarlo (D-36) made the case for New Jersey to stand on the forefront of condemning and sanctioning Russia.

“The night of the invasion I couldn’t sleep,” Sarlo said. “I think it sends a strong message.”

Codey added: “Our president should do everything humanly possible to stop it [the killing of Ukrainians] and get it over with right now.”

From the Legislature:

“The first resolution condemns Russia for its declaration of war and invasion of Ukraine and expresses support for its citizens in the pursuit of independent democracy.

 “This resolution condemns the violation of international law committed by Russia with the invasion of the North, East, and South and the bombing of various regions across the country, including in the capital city of Kyiv.  This resolution urges Russia to return to diplomacy to resolve this conflict.  The resolution also recognizes the increasing number of civilian casualties as a result of the invasion by Russia.

“The resolution also supports Russians throughout various countries that have taken to the streets to protest the Russian invasion.  Additionally, this resolution recognizes the unwavering bravery of Ukrainian citizens and government in response to the invasion by Russia.  Further, this resolution supports the international communities levying of sanctions against Russia and top Russian individuals and the removal of Russia from the international payment system, SWIFT.

“Finally, this resolution supports a democratic and independent Ukraine, free from the influence of Russia or any other country.”

From the second:

“This bill prohibits various government dealings with businesses associated with Belarus or Russia.

 “Specifically, a person that engages in investment activity in Russia or Belarus will be placed on a list by the Department of the Treasury and will not be permitted to: contract with State agencies, file or renew a Public Works Contractor Registration, receive an economic development subsidy from the Economic Development Authority, be awarded a municipal property tax abatement, or make or enter into a payment in-lieu of property tax agreement, apply for or receive a tax clearance certificate from the Division of Taxation, be certified by as an urban renewal entity for purposes of the “Long Term Tax Exemption Law,” or be designated as a redeveloper by a public agency for the purposes of the “Local Redevelopment and Housing Law.”

“The bill prohibits the State from investing pension or annuity funds in companies with an equity tie to the government of Russia or Belarus. The bill also prohibits the State and its subdivisions from:  banking with, having or holding stock, debt, or other equity investments of, or maintaining insurance coverage through a policy issued by a financial institution that has an equity tie to the government of Russia or Belarus.”