In response to growing threats to cut U.S. support for Ukraine, thousands of Americans and Ukrainians gathered in cities across the U.S. for emergency rallies in support of freedom, democracy, and continued support for Ukraine.
Washington: Rally at Congress
On March 4, a large "United States Stand Up for Ukraine and American Values" rally organised by Ukraine Rally DC and United Help Ukraine took place in Washington, DC, near the Russell Senate Office Building and Constitution Ave. to call on Congress to continue supporting Ukraine and provide funding for military assistance.
"Today we raised our voices in front of a joint session of Congress, standing up for American values and supporting Ukraine's fight for freedom! A huge thank you to all the incredible people from across the United States who stood with us as we stood up for freedom, justice and democracy," said United Help Ukraine.
Participants urged all Americans to call their representatives in Congress and demand continued military and humanitarian aid for Ukraine. Organisers provided a "Your Voice Matters" guide to contacting Congress, available here.
Rally in Columbus
Also on Tuesday in Columbus, Ohio, 200 participants gathered at the Ohio State Capitol in response to a call by the Ukrainian Cultural Association of Ohio. The main theme of the event was solidarity between the United States and Ukraine, as Ukraine's struggle is a struggle for democracy around the world.
"We are here because we believe in American values and support Ukraine's struggle for freedom," the organisers said.
Philadelphia: "America stands for Ukraine"
In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a massive rally in support of Ukraine was also held near Philadelphia City Hall in response to the recent talks between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Donald Trump.
"This isn't just about Ukraine, it's about the basic principles of freedom and democracy that the United States has always stood for. We call on all Americans to remember what this country stands for and to stand in solidarity with Ukraine," the rally organisers said.
Participants carrying Ukrainian flags and placards called on Congress to continue to support Ukraine. Archbishop-Metropolitan Borys Gudziak also attended the rally.
Los Angeles: "Supporting Ukraine means defending freedom"
Hundreds of people gathered at the Wilshire Federal Building in Los Angeles to express their strong support for Ukraine. The rally was organised by the Stand With Ukraine Foundation, which stressed that today's aid cut was not only a betrayal of an ally, but also a threat to US national security and democratic values around the world.
"We cannot allow the United States to retreat in the face of tyranny. Supporting Ukraine is not only about helping its people, but also about protecting America's interests," the rally organisers said.
The protesters chanted "Stand with Ukraine!" and called on the authorities not to stop supporting Kyiv. They also brought posters, banners and flags to express the unity of American society with Ukrainians.
The rallies in Washington, Philadelphia and Los Angeles were part of a nationwide wave of protests that swept through US cities.
Photo: swissmiss1107, Keith Mellnick, Marcin Żmudzki, vlady2ka
Author: Inna Mikhno