Information on how much is held in Russian securities by the pension funds was not immediately available.
Allyson Tucker, CEO of the Washington State Investment Board, Olympia, which oversees $193.8 billion in assets including $156 billion in defined benefit plan assets, said in an email: "The troubling conflict created by Russia's military attack on Ukraine is a stark reminder that geopolitical risk is not just an abstract concept in our investment strategy. Historic struggles over the global balance of power create uncertainty, and as long-term investors we must stay disciplined on behalf of our beneficiaries as the portfolios endure related market impacts. While we look at these developments through an investment lens, we also should not lose sight of the tragic human price that is paid."
The $84.7 billion Alaska Permanent Fund Corp., Juneau, said in a statement that it is "working closely with our partners and custodial bank to monitor the developing situation in Ukraine and mitigate any issues associated with sanctions."
"Currently, investment exposure to Russia represents approximately 0.2% of the Alaska Permanent Fund's total assets under management. We remain committed to ensuring that the financial assets of the permanent fund continue to be safeguarded and well-positioned during the ongoing uncertainty," according to the statement emailed by fund spokeswoman Paulyn Swanson. "APFC acknowledges the suffering and the tragedy unfolding in Ukraine, (and) may there soon be a peaceful resolution for the Ukrainian people."
In a Tweet Thursday, Thomas DiNapoli, New York State Comptroller and sole trustee of the $279.9 billion New York State Common Retirement Fund, Albany, said, "We stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine in their hour of need and with their families here in (New York)."
Brad Lander, New York City Comptroller and fiduciary of the $266.7 billion New York City Retirement Systems, said in a statement: "Thinking today of the people of Ukraine, and Ukrainian New Yorkers who are feeling fear and anxiety for their friends and family. The federal government must support and expedite resettlement and evacuation efforts, and New York City should be ready to accept and support refugees."
Michael G. Trotsky, executive director and chief investment officer of the $104.1 billion Massachusetts Pension Reserves Investment Management Board, Boston, said in a statement: "While PRIM owns no currently sanctioned securities, we will continue to closely monitor the situation as we understand that the conflict has increased market volatility and geopolitical impacts remain unknown. With that said, PRIM is well positioned to navigate these volatile markets. The PRIM investment portfolio is a carefully constructed, broadly diversified portfolio that we expect will perform well over the long term."
Though declining further comment on the invasion, the $479.6 billion California Public Employees' Retirement System, Sacramento, said it holds about $900 million in Russian securities, and Rob Maxwell, spokesman at the $204 billion Texas Teacher Retirement System, Austin, said that pension fund's public equity investments in Russia and Ukraine make up 0.3% and 0.0%, respectively, of its total assets.
