Thousands rally in Washington D.C. for continued support to Ukraine
Several thousand people gathered near the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., for a large-scale rally marking the third anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Demonstrators called for continued support for Ukraine, CE Report quotes Ukrinform.
Participants marched through the capital's downtown to the residence of the Russian ambassador, demanding an end to Russian aggression.
People traveled from various U.S. states, some arriving individually and others on buses organized by Ukrainian community leaders. Many carried blue-and-yellow flags, Ukrainian symbols, and signs calling for continued military aid to Ukraine, NATO membership, and an end to Russian aggression to preserve the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Invited speakers addressed the crowd, and religious leaders led a prayer and a moment of silence in memory of those who lost their lives in Russia's brutal war against Ukraine.
Ukrainian Ambassador to the U.S. Oksana Markarova expressed gratitude to all attendees, including European and international diplomats.
"We know that it was hard, we know that it wasn't easy, and everyone has their own life challenges, but we deeply appreciate that you found the time -- be it a moment, days, or years -- and the energy to be here, to stand with us, to fight on our side. Thank you!" Markarova said, urging continued support for Ukraine.
She also emphasized that Russia, Iran, North Korea, and their allies are waging war not just against Ukraine but against democracy and the free world. She called for remembering Russian war crimes, mentioning Bucha, Izium, Mariupol, the bombings of Kharkiv, Kyiv, Odesa, and other Ukrainian cities, as well as the occupation of Crimea.
"This must not be forgotten or left unpunished," she said.
Jovita Neliupsiene, the European Union's Ambassador to the U.S., reiterated that Russia's full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022, was an unprovoked and unjustified act of aggression.
She said that until the very last moment, no one could believe this was possible. She also emphasized the need to continue supporting Ukraine in its fight for freedom and democracy.
Michael Sawkiw, President of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA) and one of the event's organizers, stated that U.S. aid to Ukraine is not charity but a strategic investment in American security and economic stability.
He underscored the importance of security guarantees for Ukraine, including NATO membership.
The rally was organized with the support of U.S. Ukrainian Activists, UCCA, United Help Ukraine, Razom for Ukraine, Ukraine House in Washington, and the People of Ukraine Foundation. The Embassy of Ukraine in Washington and the Honorary Consulate of Ukraine in Philadelphia also took part.
After the gathering at the Lincoln Memorial, participants marched to the Russian ambassador's residence, chanting "Stop terror in Ukraine!," "Stop killing civilians!," and "Get out of Ukraine!"
