A solemn event commemorating World Refugee Day took place at Daley Plaza in Chicago, joined by the Ukrainian community of Illinois. Under blue-and-yellow flags with black ribbons and posters showing images of destroyed Ukrainian cities, Ukrainians called on the world to recognize russia as a terrorist state.
This was reported by Ukrainian Congress Committee of America, Illinois Division.
The event was significant in scale, held with the participation of local authorities, Congresswoman Delia Ramirez, and representatives from the offices of Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth. Dozens of journalists and major media outlets attended to amplify the voices of refugee communities across the state. The Ukrainian diaspora joined the demonstration to ensure Ukraine’s voice was heard as well.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, opening the ceremony, emphasized that the city has always welcomed refugees, specifically mentioning Ukrainians fleeing war and destruction caused by russian aggression. His message of solidarity was met with heartfelt applause.
The Ukrainian presence stood out in the crowd with numerous Ukrainian flags adorned with black ribbons in mourning for victims of recent bombings in Kyiv. Participants also displayed posters featuring images of destroyed cities and demands to designate russia as a state sponsor of terrorism.
Конгресвумен Делія Рамірес та представники сенаторів висловили підтримку українським біженцям. Кароліна Зачек від імені офісу сенатора Дакворт подякувала організаторам і учасникам за мобілізацію спільноти на захист прав людей, змушених покинути свої домівки.
The Ukrainian demonstration was part of the global “Stand with Ukraine” campaign, aimed at drawing attention to russia’s war crimes and the massive refugee crisis it has triggered. The number of Ukrainians displaced by the war has long surpassed the one-million mark, presenting an urgent global challenge.
Organizers from the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America — Illinois Division called on the American public to remember: “russia is a terrorist state that kills and drives people from their homes.” They extended condolences to the families of those killed in recent nighttime attacks on Kyiv and across Ukraine, and stressed the ongoing need for international support and security.
Author: Danylo Pievchev