Local politicians are extending their support for Ukraine amid the Russian invasion, and some met with the consulate general of Ukraine Friday. 

Council Members Eric Dinowitz and Marjorie Velazquez gathered with others to tell the consulate general of Ukraine in New York, Oleksii Holubov, that the city is here for Ukraine. 

The consul general was visibly sad and made an emotional plea. "Ukraine really needs your help. Ukraine widely needs your help,” said Holubov. 

Holubov was presented with a proclamation to honor the 140,000 Ukrainians living in the city, as well as the ones back home. 

He says he has not seen anything like this since World War II and that he’s asking elected officials to help push for strengthened sanctions against Russia, a no-fly zone above Ukraine and for defensive equipment. 

"I'm sure you will all be proud of your answer when your kids and grandkids ask you while learning from their history books, what you have done,” said Holubov. 

UJA-Federation of New York says it's already authorized $3 million to assist with relief efforts on the ground and plan to authorize another $2 million soon.