The Ukrainian diaspora in the USA joined the global action STOP HUMAN SAFARI / SAVE KHERSON, aimed at drawing the attention of the world community to Russia's war crimes against the civilian population of Ukraine. Protests took place on December 13-14 in more than 60 cities around the world, as well as in the USA. In particular, in Chicago, Los Angeles, Denver, New York, Washington, San Francisco, Seattle, Dallas, Fort Worth and other cities.
Chicago: protest against drone terror
On December 14, the Ukrainian community of Illinois held an action in downtown Chicago, condemning Russian drone attacks on the civilian population of Kherson. This was reported by the Illinois Division of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA).
The rally participants emphasized that Russian forces are using drones to deliberately hunt civilians – the so-called “human safari”. Drones drop explosives directly on the streets where passers-by and passengers of public transport are, forcing city residents to hide in their homes.
“This is the most cruel evil – a “human safari”. People are attacked right on the streets and near their homes. If Russia is not stopped, your city could be next,” the UCCA Illinois said.
The activists called on the international community not to stand aside and to increase pressure on Russia to stop the terror against civilians.
Los Angeles: Unity of the Diaspora
The Ukrainian community of Los Angeles also joined the global campaign. The action took place near the Cathedral of St. Volodymyr of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. The event was reported by public figure Oleg Kharchenko, who published photos from the rally.
“The World Against the “Human Safari”: The Ukrainian Diaspora in the United States Joins the Global Action in Support of Kherson,” the message reads.
The participants of the action emphasized the need for global solidarity with Ukraine and bringing those responsible for crimes against humanity to justice.
Denver: Supporting Ukraine Despite Political Instability
A large-scale solidarity action with Ukraine was also hosted in Denver, Colorado. The event was held on the west steps of the state Capitol. The organizers thanked the Ukrainian community and American friends of Ukraine for their participation.
"Today you have proven that even after four years, our solidarity remains visible and powerful. Together we continue," the community representatives emphasized.
It was also emphasized that Ukraine's struggle for survival continues, and the White House's position remains unstable. At the same time, the participants of the action emphasized the importance of the US role in the issues of intelligence sharing, sanctions against Russia, diplomatic pressure and clear recognition of the aggressor.
"Today you have proven that even after four years, our solidarity remains visible and powerful. Together we continue," the community representatives emphasized.
During the action, fundraising was also launched to purchase a drone for Ukraine.
What the protest reminded the world of
The campaign organizers remind that since the summer of 2024, the Russian military has been systematically using small commercial drones to harass, terrorize and kill civilians in Kherson and other frontline cities.
"People are being hunted on their way to work, school or the store. Children and adults, young and old, become victims of this sadistic "entertainment" of Russian soldiers. Human safari must stop,” the initiators said in a statement.
This tactic has been documented by the UN and Human Rights Watch and recognized as a war crime and a crime against humanity. This is the first recorded case of the use of civilian drones for the deliberate tracking and killing of people at close range.
“This is not just a crisis in Ukraine – it is a global warning. Commercial drones designed for civilian needs are being transformed into weapons that can be used anywhere,” the organizers stressed.
Participants in the global action in the US and other countries demanded:
- an immediate end to drone attacks on civilians;
- holding those responsible to international responsibility;
- increasing support for Ukraine, in particular with air defense systems and the protection of civilians;
- creating effective international legal mechanisms that will make it impossible to use drones against civilians.
The actions became yet another evidence that the Ukrainian diaspora in the United States continues to actively defend the truth about the war and remind the world: people are not targets.
Photo: Oleg Kharchenko, Ukrainians in Denver since 2013
Author: Danylo Pievchev