Gov. Walz Orders State Agencies To Cut Ties With Russia

ST. PAUL, MN — Gov. Tim Walz Friday signed an executive order that requires state agencies to terminate existing contracts with Russian entities and refrain from entering into future contracts with Russian entities.

The order also formally condemns Russia's violent invasion of Ukraine.

"Minnesota stands firmly with Ukraine and strongly condemns the Russian government’s actions," Walz said in a news release.

"Today, I signed an Executive Order directing my cabinet agencies to stop doing business with Russian entities to help ensure that our state does not aid the Russian government’s aggression against Ukraine."

Walz also encouraged private companies to cut ties with Russian entities. However, the governor said residents should "support our fellow Russian Minnesotans, many of whom are horrified and alarmed by the Russian government’s aggression toward Ukraine."

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Walz's order comes after President Joe Biden announced major sanctions against Russia, including cutting off Russia's access to global banking systems, cutting off technology exports to Russia, and barring Russian state-owned companies from raising money in the United States.