On May 3, Russian organizations plan to hold an "Immortal Regiment" march in downtown Washington, DC. The event, dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the end of the so-called "Great Patriotic War," has already provoked a protest reaction from the Ukrainian diaspora in the United States.
This was reported by the organization Svitanok.dc.
"No to Russian propaganda! While Russia is dropping bombs on peaceful cities, kidnapping Ukrainian children, torturing prisoners, and waging a genocidal war, its supporters are organizing a parade in Washington under the guise of "honoring victory. This is not commemoration. It is propaganda," the organization said in a statement.
According to the information leaflet, which is being actively distributed among Russian-speaking groups in the United States, participants are encouraged to join the action with portraits of their relatives, "front-line soldiers". The column will then march down Pennsylvania Avenue to the World War II Memorial, where a wreath-laying ceremony and concert will take place.
The screenshots show the calls being actively spread by Russian propagandists
The announcement booklet is accompanied by Soviet symbols, including St. George's ribbons. Since 2014, this symbol has been considered a marker of pro-Russian ideology and military aggression in Ukraine and around the world.
Organizers claim they have the proper permits to hold the event, although there is no official confirmation from city authorities.
"The Kremlin has distorted the memory of World War II and used it as a tool to justify modern crimes. Today's Russian imperialism reflects the very fascism they claimed to be fighting. You cannot honor the victims of World War II by repeating the same crimes," Svitanok activists emphasize.
According to Anna Novosad, a New York-based activist and member of Svitanok NYC, Oleksiy Taran, similar events are planned by Russian activists in New York, Chicago and Alexandria.
"The Kremlin has distorted the memory of World War II and used it as a tool to justify modern crimes. Today's Russian imperialism reflects the very fascism they claimed to be fighting. You cannot honor the victims of World War II by repeating the same crimes," Svitanok activists emphasize."Last year, the Russian Youth of America organization tried to hold a similar march in New York. Thanks to the actions of svitanok.nyc and the active response of the Ukrainian community and the New York City police, the event was disrupted. At the same time, a similar action took place in Washington, D.C., on the territory of the embassy of the terrorist state, behind a fence. This year the Russians decided to show their heads right in the US capital," Taran added.
Author: Danylo Pievchev