Chicago cut ties with 'sister city' Moscow, among latest to disassociate with Russia's aggression

The city of Chicago is suspending its relationship with sister city Moscow, as Russia continues its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.

Democrat Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced this week that the city is severing ties with the Russian capital in an effort to demonstrate a strong condemnation of the invasion.

"We must send an unambiguous message: We strongly condemn all actions by the Putin regime," she said. We must continue to support freedom-loving people everywhere and ordinary Russians in their desire to be free."

Lightfoot said the suspension would last until "the end of hostilities against Ukraine and the Putin is regime is held accountable for its crimes." It is unclear precisely what those parameters will entail. 

Russian leader Vladmir Putin seven days ago as of Wednesday began the invasion, in response Ukraine's effort to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and his perception of increasing Western influence on former Soviet-bloc nations. 

Lightfoot's announcement follows that of Maryland GOP Gov. Larry Hogan, who said Monday that his state was cutting ties with its "Sister State" partnership with the Leningrad region of Russia. 

Oil companies Shell and BP have also exited the Russian markets, dealing a devastating blow to the Russian economy, in which both companies were heavily invested. 

The National Hockey League also issued a statement recently condemning Russia's actions in Ukraine, while maintaining. sympathy for its many native Russian players.

"Effective immediately, we are suspending our relationships with our business partners in Russia and we are pausing our Russian language social and digital media sites. In addition, we are discontinuing any consideration of Russia as a location for any future competitions involving the NHL," said the organization. "We also remain concerned about the well-being of the players from Russia, who play in the NHL on behalf of their NHL Clubs, and not on behalf of Russia. We understand they and their families are being placed in an extremely difficult position."