Following the talks between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Donald Trump, a series of rallies and demonstrations took place in the United States, where participants expressed solidarity with Ukraine and called on Washington not to weaken its support for Kyiv. The rallies were held in New York, Los Angeles, Boston, San Diego, Cleveland, and other cities.
Protests in Vermont: "Ski in Russia"
In Vermont, protesters met the motorcade of U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, who was visiting a ski resort, with placards reading "Ski in Russia," "Vermont stands with Ukraine," and "Support Ukraine, not Putin. Activists called on the US administration to stop "negotiating with dictators" and continue to help Kyiv.
Solidarity marches and rallies in major cities
Hundreds of people came to Times Square in New York City with placards reading "Stand with Ukraine," "Protect your children from the dictator," and "Stop Putin. Similar demonstrations were held in Los Angeles and Boston. In Cleveland, during a march in support of Ukraine, there were calls for congressmen to maintain military and financial support for Kyiv.
Tesla protests and activist arrests
Some demonstrators protested against Elon Musk near the Tesla showroom in New York, accusing him of collaborating with Russia. Police detained several protesters who, according to AR, were blocking the entrance to the showroom.
Rallies and vigils for victims in San Diego
In San Diego, the House of Ukraine held a memorial service in honor of the fallen Ukrainian defenders. The event was attended by Ukrainian Catholic and Orthodox priests and a rabbi. The participants honored the memory of the victims of the war and thanked all those who support Ukraine.
Participants in the San Diego rallies stressed that America must remain an ally of Ukraine.
"Somehow, overnight, American foreign policy has turned upside down. We went from defending democracies to trying to 'restore relations' with dictators," organizers said.
Video on Instagram
Ukrainians in Los Angeles: "We want peace and justice"
In Beverly Hills, the Ukrainian community held a rally attended by hundreds of people. Iryna Demchyshyna, a participant of the rally and a resident of Los Angeles, writes:
"We want our compatriots to know that even though we are in the United States, we are with them. We want peace and we want justice."
Participants in the rallies say Ukrainians are united in their struggle and ready to defend the country's independence.
"The world has no right to underestimate our strength. We will fight as long as it takes to win," the activists said.
As the war enters its fourth year, Ukrainians in America continue to fight to maintain support for Kyiv.
Author: Danylo Pievchev