In a joint statement addressed to President Joe Biden, Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh and Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon have offered Syracuse as a safe haven for Ukrainian refugees during the time of unrest currently unfolding in their home country. 

"Onondaga County and the City of Syracuse are ready, willing and able to welcome and resettle Ukrainian refugees in Central New York," read the letter sent Wednesday. "Syracuse and Onondaga County have historically served as a safe haven for refugees from various parts of the world. Our community has long been home to a strong and proud Ukrainian community, joining New York State as home to the largest Ukrainian population in the United States."

As such, the letter cited Syracuse as an ideal location for Ukrainian citizens to seek short-term shelter until they can return to their homes, or seek more permanent residency to "be free of unjustified violence and war."

The two local officials nodded towards Interfaith Works CNY and Catholic Charities of Onondaga County, as well as New York State government, as key players in preparing the community to welcome refugees in need to the area.

Both Walsh and McMahon condemned Russia in the letter, calling the country's invasion of Ukraine "unprovoked."