As Russia continues its military assault on Ukraine, Schuylkill County commissioners are extending their heartfelt support for the Eastern European country and its people.

There’s a strong bond between the county and Ukraine, Commissioners’ Chairman Barron L. Hetherington said Wednesday.

“Schuylkill County, by percentage, has one of the highest concentrations of Ukrainian descent in all of United States,” he said.

Hetherington cited Cass Township as having the highest percentage of people of Ukrainian heritage, 14.3 percent.

Gilberton was next, with 12.4 percent; followed by St. Clair with 8.8 percent; Frackville with 7.6 percent; Norwegian Township with 7 percent; McAdoo with 5.9 percent; Branch Township with 5.7 percent; Mount Carmel Township with 5.3 percent; and Pine Township with 5.1 percent.

“With that in mind,” Hetherington said, “we feel as county leaders we must make a strong statement of support for the citizens of Ukraine. The invasion of the country by Russian troops under the direction of Russian President Vladimir Putin is an attack on innocent lives as well as a threat to their democracy and democracy around the world.

“We fully support the efforts of the United States, NATO and the United Nations to stop this aggression immediately, and end the bloodshed in the sovereign nation of Ukraine.

“We ask all Schuylkill County residents to pray for a peaceful resolution, and pray for the innocent people of Ukraine. For those who are financially able, we are asking you to support humanitarian efforts for those affected by this violent occupation,” he said.

Commissioners George F. Halcovage Jr. and Gary J. Hess also agreed wholeheartedly, each speaking to the invasion’s toll on the citizens of Ukraine.

Clerk of Courts Maria T. Casey asked commissioners to authorize flying the Ukrainian flag beneath the American flag at the courthouse as a show of solidarity with the besieged country.

Hetherington said they would consider it.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Feb. 24 launched a full-scale attack on Ukraine; on Thursday, troops fought their way closer to the city of Enerhodar, where the largest nuclear power plant in Europe is located.

Ukrainians, under the leadership of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, are taking up arms and fighting back.

Help in the form of military equipment, supplies and money is pouring in from around the world.

United States President Joe Biden and America’s European allies swiftly initiated a barrage of sanctions aimed at crippling Russia’s economy.