DeWine signs order to end economic ties with Russia; Community lights up for Ukraine

DAYTON — As tensions increase overseas, Ohio lawmakers are doing whatever they can in the fight against Russia.

Earlier this week Gov. Mike DeWine signed Executive Order 22-02D into effect.

The order said that Ohio will not be investing or purchasing any materials that support Russia.

Peter Wine of Kettering said he thinks this is a good, symbolic gesture.

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Wine has shown his support for Ukraine by lighting up his house in blue and yellow, the color of Ukraine’s flag.

“I think everybody can understand the concept of a bully and if Russia is not the demonstration of what a bad bully is, I don’t know what would be,” Wine said.

the order also states if there are any institutions, businesses, funds, that have a contract with Russian companies here in Ohio, those contracts must be terminated.

This also includes purchases of services or investments in Russian companies and other proposals of services are not allowed — including oil.

“Gas prices going to $5, $6, $10 a gallon for us, that pales in comparison to the pain of sitting in a train station underground, hoping they don’t bomb directly above,” Wine said.

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Jeff Haymond, an economics professor at Cedarville University, gave his take on the new order.

“[Biden’s] sending a political signal of Ohio being behind joining virtually the world and its condemnation of what Russia is doing,” Haymond said

Haymond said while this order may not make a huge financial impact on Russia, that doesn’t mean it isn’t leaving an impression.

He said it really does cement the universal feeling that Russia is in the wrong.

The order DeWine has signed comes after he already banned the selling and production of Russian vodka at the end of last month.

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