Ukrainian activists in Los Angeles, Chicago, San Diego, and Seattle held demonstrations against the policies of the Donald Trump administration regarding Russian diesel fuel, while also advocating for the continuation of defense aid to Ukraine. Participants demanded that economic pressure on Moscow not be eased, that critical military communications and intelligence support for Ukraine be maintained, and that Congressional oversight be strengthened regarding decisions that could impact Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
This was reported by the Globe4Ukraine, Stand With Ukraine Foundation, Ukraine Defense Support, Ukrainian Congress Committee of America, Illinois Division, Voliy Fondall of which helped organize the protests in the U.S.
In California, demonstrations took place in two cities: near the Federal Building in Los Angeles and at Balboa Park in San Diego.
In Los Angeles, Ukrainian activists gathered near the Federal Building on Wilshire Boulevard. The event was part of a campaign organized under the slogans "Stop the Betrayal. Stand with Ukraine" and "Defend Ukraine – Not Putin."
Participants brought Ukrainian and American flags, as well as signs urging Washington to increase pressure on Russia. A key demand was the reversal of the decision regarding Russian diesel fuel—a move activists view as an economic concession to Moscow.
"Behind every political decision are real people—defenders on the front lines and families living under the threat of Russian missiles and drones," stated Globe4Ukraine.
The organizers linked the protests to several issues regarding U.S. policy toward Ukraine. Primarily, they opposed the easing of sanctions on Russian diesel fuel. The protesters argued that an increase in Russian energy exports would generate additional revenue for Moscow—funds that could be used to prolong the war.
"While Ukraine fights for its survival, these decisions and restrictions can directly impact the lives and safety of Ukrainian defenders and civilians. Behind every policy decision are real people," noted the Stand With Ukraine Foundation.
A second focus was defense support for Ukraine. Globe4Ukraine pointed to reports regarding restrictions on Starshield military communications, as well as difficulties Ukraine has faced in receiving U.S. early-warning data on missile attacks. Activists stated that these reports warrant the attention of Congress, as such capabilities could be critical to Ukraine’s defense.
"As Russia attacks Ukrainian cities, Ukraine must not be deprived of vital defense technologies and intelligence," the organizers declared.
A significant portion of the protesters' demands was directed specifically at the U.S. Congress.
The activists urged lawmakers to ensure the continuation of critical defense support for Ukraine, investigate reports regarding restrictions on communications and intelligence capabilities, oppose sanctions exemptions for Russian diesel fuel, and ensure the enforcement of U.S. sanctions legislation.
"Enforce sanctions against Russia. No 'deals' with Putin. Protect Ukraine’s critical defense communications. Demand Congressional oversight and accountability." "Stop rewarding Russian aggression," stated the group Globe 4 Ukraine, outlining their demands.
Participants and supporters of the campaign were also urged to call their senators and members of the House of Representatives. The organizers based their position on more than just Ukraine’s interests; they argued that Kyiv’s ability to withstand Russian aggression is directly relevant to American and European security.
"Supporting Ukraine protects America’s security, democracy, and the principle that borders cannot be altered by force," the activists declared.
Protests against changes to sanctions policy also took place on the other side of the United States. In Seattle, representatives from Ukraine Defense Support and Voliy Fond organized a rally at Waterfront Park. The central slogan of the protest was "Say No to Russian Diesel."
The activists opposed a decision by the U.S. administration which, according to their assessment, creates an opening for significant volumes of Russian diesel fuel to return to the international market.
"While Ukraine endures Russian shelling every day, revenue from Russian energy exports could continue to prop up the aggressor nation's economy," the Seattle organizers emphasized.
In their materials, they also pointed to plans that would allow nearly 5 million tons of Russian diesel fuel to enter the American and global markets. The activists argue that such a move eases pressure on Moscow precisely while Russia continues its attacks on Ukraine.
Another demonstration took place in Chicago, organized following a call to action by the Illinois Division of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA). One of the central slogans of the protest was: "Don’t Trade Principles for Profit." Activists also displayed signs reading "Your diesel = Ukrainian lives" and "No deals with the devil," along with the hashtag #YouPaidForThis.
The organizers linked the issue of Russian diesel fuel directly to the financing of the Russian economy and the war.
"Every purchase of Russian diesel directly funds violence, aggression, and terror. American integrity and dignity are not for sale," stated the UCCA Illinois Division.
Participants in the rally urged the White House and Congress to strengthen sanctions against Russia’s energy sector and to continue supporting Ukraine.
Americans were encouraged to contact the White House directly and demand that the administration hold Russia accountable, while also calling for stricter restrictions on Russian oil and fuel.
"When you vote, remember what is at stake. Vote according to your conscience. Stand up for democracy. Reject tyranny and fascism," the organizers urged.
U.S. Representative Mike Quigley also joined the demonstrators in Chicago.
During the event, the issue of Russian energy supplies was linked not only to the war in Ukraine but also to the national security of the United States itself.
"Freedom cannot flourish when America remains dependent on Russian diesel fuel and energy interests that undermine its independence. Every chain of dependency is a vulnerability. Every dollar spent on such dependency strengthens those who seek to weaken freedom."
A key message of the rally was that energy independence is a component of U.S. national security.
"Energy independence is national security. Break the chains. Defend freedom. Defend America’s freedom," the statement declared.
The demands voiced by Ukrainian activists in the U.S. emerged amidst criticism regarding the easing of sanctions against Russia. In an October 13 letter to President Trump, a bipartisan group of lawmakers urged the revocation of the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s General License No. 135, which they argue relaxes restrictions on the export of Russian diesel fuel. The senators contended that additional revenue from energy exports could provide the Kremlin with more resources to continue its war against Ukraine. Against this backdrop, participants in demonstrations in California and Washington sought to shift the discussion from the political arena directly to the streets of American cities.
Photo: uds4ukraine, Tamara Martyniuk Jazwinski, Ukrainian Congress Committee of America, Illinois Division
Author: Inna Mikhno