Hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets of downtown Detroit yesterday to mark the third anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, calling for an end to the conflict that continues to devastate the region. The demonstration, which convened at Hart Plaza, saw supporters of Ukraine waving the country's flag, donning blue and gold, and carrying signs critical of Russian aggression, according to a report by CBS News Detroit.
Among the attendees, Ukrainian supporter Michael Sawicky underscored the importance of American backing for Ukraine, "It’s a reminder that this war is now going on for three years," in a statement detailed by CBS News Detroit. He added, "I wore my American flag today to show support as an American and to make a point that, as Americans, we need to support Ukraine because they've set the example for us through their determination [and] their defense of their country."
Chief organizer and Ukrainian expatriate Oleksandr Tkachenko led hundreds through the city's heart, from speeches in Hart Plaza to a march down Woodward Avenue, described by the Detroit Free Press. Tkachenko, who has firsthand experience with the war's toll, starkly told interviewers, "Stop killing our people, free our people from captivity and get out of our land," making clear his stance on what would constitute a resolution to the conflict.
Aside from the calls for peace, the rally also discussed recent diplomatic developments. President Zelenskyy stated he would step down if Ukraine were granted NATO membership and the controversial exclusion of Ukrainian leaders from peace talks between the U.S. and Russia. Elizabeth Symonenko, an attendee with Ukrainian roots, expressed her apprehensions about the peace deal. "It does scare me," she told the Detroit Free Press, expressing a tentatively hopeful stance.
The event, organized by United Support for Ukraine and the Ukrainian-American Crisis Response Committee of Michigan, also featured advocacy for Ukraine’s role in peace negotiations. Andrew Powers from the committee stated, "A peace agreement that does not include serious security guarantees for Ukraine is realistically nothing more than a temporary ceasefire with the Russian Federation," in comments to The Detroit News. The rally unified diverse voices in a shared commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty and democratic principles amidst ongoing turmoil and international diplomacy.
