Protesters in Seattle gathered on March 1, 2025, to show support for Ukraine. The rally, titled 'Victory, Not Surrender! Ukraine Is Our Ally!', drew strong expressions of solidarity. Photo: David Kirichenko.
Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in Seattle on Saturday, rallying in solidarity with Ukraine just a day after the extraordinary Oval Office confrontation between President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Axios described it as “perhaps the most epic televised foreign policy row in history.”
The meeting escalated when Trump and Vance lashed out at Zelensky after he asked what would happen if Putin violated a ceasefire agreement. The hostility from Trump’s team sparked a global outpouring of support for Ukraine, with many world leaders publicly supporting Zelensky.
Protesters in Seattle hold signs in support of Ukraine. Photo: David Kirichenko
In response to a global outpouring of support for Ukraine following the recent Oval Office confrontation, the White House highlighted endorsements from Republican members of Congress backing President Trump's stance. For instance, Representative Pat Harrigan stated, "America's priorities come first. @POTUS and @VP made it clear—Ukraine's interests are not America's interests."
However, Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski broke ranks with the party and strongly condemned the administration’s handling of the situation, warning, that the U.S. appears to be shifting away from Ukraine and aligning itself with Putin’s interests.
“This week started with administration officials refusing to acknowledge that Russia started the war in Ukraine,” Murkowski wrote on social media. “It ends with a tense, shocking conversation in the Oval Office and whispers from the White House that they may try to end all U.S. support for Ukraine.”
Protestors gather at Seattle’s waterfront to rally in support of Ukraine. Photo: David Kirichenko
She further expressed deep concern about what this shift means for American credibility and global democracy. “I know foreign policy is not for the faint of heart, but right now, I am sick to my stomach as the administration appears to be walking away from our allies and embracing Putin, a threat to democracy and U.S. values around the world.”
Meanwhile, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev took to social media to praise Trump's efforts, writing: "The insolent pig finally got a proper slap down in the Oval Office. And @realDonaldTrump is right: The Kiev regime is 'gambling with WWIII.'"
Seattle Shows Support
The Seattle rally, adorned with American and Ukrainian flags, featured banners condemning Trump and the trajectory of his administration’s policies. Protesters denounced efforts to strong-arm Ukraine and called on Washington to stand firmly with Kyiv in defense of democracy against Russian aggression.
Rev. Father Andrii Matlak of the Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Seattle emphasized the significance of standing with Ukraine during these critical times. "It is important to be with Ukrainians. As the world has shown its support for Ukraine, we want to express our gratitude, to the entire world, from the Ukrainian nation, from our president, and from the soldiers on the front line who are fighting for truth."
Rev. Father Andrii Matlak at the rally in Seattle. Photo: David Kirichenko
He addressed the broader implications of Ukraine’s struggle, stating: "We are trying to bring that truth to the entire world. What is happening is not okay, and the world needs to understand that we as Ukrainians are fighting for life, not just for survival, but for the future of our generations, for the future of the entire world, and for democracy itself."
Father Andrii concluded his commentary with a blessing: "May God bless the United States, and may God bless the Ukrainian army and the Ukrainian nation."
Kimi Kinoshita, a resident of Bainbridge Island, emphasized her unwavering support for Ukraine. "We're here because we've always supported Ukraine's right to exist."
Kimi Kinoshita of Bainbridge Island at the rally. Photo: David Kirichenko
She also expressed frustration over what had happened at the White House, noting that Zelensky is fighting with all his heart and soul for the Ukrainian people, who have already suffered so much. “ We are standing up for the people of Ukraine. We want them to know that,” said Kinoshita.
A Dangerous Precedent
Seattle resident Tom Davis warned that failing to hold aggressors accountable could set a dangerous precedent worldwide.
"We're supporting Ukraine because if we give countries the impression that they can just grab land without consequences, it will make the world more dangerous for everyone."
He pointed to the potential ripple effects beyond Ukraine.
"China and many other countries could get the wrong idea. If we allow this to happen unchecked, it sets a precedent for future conflicts."
For Davis, the principle at stake is the right of nations to determine their own destiny. "People need to determine their own future. Self-determination for Ukraine, self-determination for every country."
Thomas Waszak, also from Seattle, expressed deep frustration over what transpired in the Oval Office confrontation, calling it one of the most disgraceful moments in U.S. history.
“Why did I come out today? Because I’m embarrassed to be an American. I’m ashamed.”
What happened in the Oval Office yesterday was one of the most shameful, disgraceful moments I have ever witnessed from a U.S. president, or any world leader, for that matter," said Waszak.
"It’s about standing up to bullies—against those who believe they can trample sovereign nations, commit injustices, and get away with it.”
An Embarrassment for the Country
Bill Bonney, who lives in Sammamish, condemned Trump’s handling of the situation, calling it an embarrassment on the global stage.
"What Trump just did is embarrassing to us as Americans. To think that this is how we are now seen in the international community. It’s disgraceful."
For Bonney, showing up at the rally was about taking real action, beyond just words.
"Coming to something like this is more than just writing a note. It’s about putting your body out there and saying: Yes, I know we are doing wrong if we don’t support Ukraine to the end," said Bonney.
"Ukraine is helping us maintain democracy in the world. This won’t be over in a week or a month. If Putin is allowed to take Ukraine, he will find a way to move into the next country. Then it will be Europe versus whoever, and eventually, the United States will have to step in."
Standing Up for Ukraine
Ukrainian-American Ruvim Burich explained why he felt compelled to attend the rally, emphasizing his deep connection to his community and the importance of standing up for Ukraine.
"I showed up to the rally because I have a deep emotional connection with my community that transcends continents, countries, and political parties."
He stressed that everyone has a role to play in Ukraine’s fight for sovereignty, whether on the battlefield, in support roles, or through advocacy.
"As an American-born Ukrainian, I believe it is every individual's responsibility to stand up for what they believe in and make their voice heard."
"Some have the opportunity to fight on the front lines, some work in support roles, and others create awareness and bring attention to the core issues affecting their homeland," said Burich.
"Whether locally or abroad, we all have a role to play. I came to bring awareness and to be one of the voices for Ukraine."
Author: David Kirichenko