Ukrainian communities and American supporters of Ukraine have held a new series of protests across various U.S. states. Participants demanded the maintenance of sanctions pressure on Russia, opposed the purchase of Russian diesel fuel, and urged Washington not to weaken its defense support for Ukraine. Rallies took place at locations including the Colorado State Capitol in Denver, downtown Tampa (Florida), and Colonie (New York). Concurrently, Ukrainian activists continued their regular street demonstrations, reminding Americans of the victims of Russian attacks.
This was reported by the Ukraine Advocacy Task Force of Colorado, Branch 124 of the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America (UNWLA) in St. Petersburg, representatives of the Ukrainian community in New York’s Capital Region, and participants in various civic initiatives supporting Ukraine.
Protest Held Near the Colorado Capitol in Denver
A rally titled "Stand With Ukraine: Protest for Justice and Accountability" took place near the Colorado State Capitol in Denver. It was organized Ukraine Advocacy Task Force of Colorado was led by founder Roksolana Vinar. Approximately 200–300 people attended the rally.
The organizers outlined four primary reasons for the demonstration: opposition to the purchase of Russian diesel fuel, the easing of sanctions against Russia, and policies that activists view as concessions to Putin. Furthermore, the activists stated their opposition to any measures that might restrict Ukraine’s access to Starlink/Starshield or other systems critical to its defense. They linked these reports to a potential easing of sanctions policy.
"We have no right to remain silent. We must demonstrate our support and solidarity with Ukraine," the organizers emphasized ahead of the event.
Following the event, the organizers issued a call to action, urging participants to continue their civic engagement—by calling their representatives in Congress and supporting local non-profit organizations in Colorado that assist Ukraine.
Invited community representatives and supporters of Ukraine spoke at the rally. Notably, Senator Michael Bennet joined the event, while the keynote speaker was John Jackson—an American who fought on the front lines in Ukraine. Additionally, Trina Griego, a representative for Senator Hickenlooper, was present and read an official statement on the Senator's behalf.
Additionally, the Ukrainian community in Denver organized another rally, explaining their motivation as follows:
"We refuse to remain silent while our leadership lifts critical sanctions against Moscow—allowing Russian diesel fuel to enter North American markets—all while exerting intense pressure on vital frontline communications systems, such as Starshield," wrote activist Daryna Skliarova.
The activists also spoke out against any peace agreements that would cement the consequences of Russian aggression without Ukraine’s consent:
"True peace cannot be built on unilateral compromises, corporate deals, or meetings that deliberately exclude Ukraine from determining its own future."
In Tampa, a peaceful demonstration was organized by members of the UNWLA
Another event took place in downtown Tampa, Florida. It was organized by Branch 124 of the Ukrainian National Women's League of America (UNWLA) based in St. Petersburg.
Participants appeared with Ukrainian and American flags, emphasizing the need for continued support for Ukraine and the importance of keeping the American public’s attention focused on the war.
"Silence is not neutrality. And today, Tampa stood with Ukraine," the participants stated after the event concluded.
Russian diesel fuel was once again a key topic of discussion. The organizers expressed concern that the expansion of trade in Russian energy resources could provide Russia with additional revenue to sustain the war. However, the discussion went beyond the issue of sanctions.
"Today was about much more than just flags, signs, or speeches. It was about people coming together for the sake of freedom, humanity, and justice—and for the innocent lives affected by the war in Ukraine."
The organizers specifically highlighted the participation of Americans. Alongside the Ukrainian flags, U.S. flags were displayed in the heart of Tampa. Participants thanked representatives of the civic organization Indivisible for their presence and solidarity with the Ukrainian community.
"You don’t have to be Ukrainian to care about Ukraine’s fate. You don’t have to experience war firsthand to understand why children deserve peace. You don’t have to lose your own home to realize the value of freedom. It is enough simply to care about another human being," the participants emphasized.
Among the speakers at the peaceful rally in Tampa was Ruslan Horovyi—a Ukrainian writer, journalist, and volunteer. Participants learned, among other things, about his humanitarian work aimed at providing firewood to elderly people in Ukraine who require heating during the war. While in Florida, Horovyi also raised funds through book sales and documentary film screenings.
"This is a wonderful example of how talent, creativity, and compassion translate into tangible help for others," the organizers noted.
In Tampa, significant attention was focused on the impact of the Russian war on civilians—including the deaths of non-combatants, as well as Ukrainian children and families torn apart by the conflict.
The organizers framed their demand as the need to achieve not merely a cessation of hostilities, but a just and lasting peace.
"Peace is not just the absence of combat. Peace is when children can sleep without fear, families can return to their homes, and people can live freely in their own country."
Participants urged support for Ukraine, the protection of civilian lives, the upholding of international law and democratic values, and ensuring that the war does not disappear from the American media agenda.
In New York State, dozens of people protested near the Colonie Center
A demonstration also took place ook place in Colonie, New York, near the Colonie Center shopping mall—at the intersection of Wolf Road and Central Avenue. According to the local television station WRGB, dozens of members of the Ukrainian community from the Capital Region gathered there.
The participants spoke out against arrangements to supply Russian diesel fuel to the American and global markets. In their view, a return to purchasing Russian energy resources sends the wrong political signal to Moscow.
"It signals that Russia is ready to do business with Trump and with America," stated Andriy Baran, head of the local branch of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America.
The protesters' position was supported by Democratic Congressman Paul Tonko, who criticized the easing of sanctions pressure on Moscow.
"Legislation was passed that allows for the imposition of sanctions against Russia, yet instead, we are seeing them being eased alongside the purchase of diesel fuel—this is unacceptable." "This fills the Russian treasury with funds that will go toward the bombing of Ukraine," stated Tonko.
Participants in the rally also responded to statements by President Trump, who linked the situation regarding diesel fuel and its prices to Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries.
Andrii Baran dismissed these arguments as baseless and urged Americans, ahead of the midterm elections, to more carefully evaluate the candidates' positions on Ukraine.
Monthly Rallies Continue
Alongside urgent protests sparked by recent political decisions, Ukrainian activists are also continuing their regular campaigns. The 57th monthly rally by the Sunflower Society took place recently, this time under the slogan: "Don’t Look Away. Stop the Genocide in Ukraine." Participants honored the victims of Russian strikes and urged Americans not to view the war as a distant issue that no longer requires public attention.
"Every month, you make a conscious choice to come out and support people who are fighting for their lives, their freedom, and their country," the organizers said, addressing the participants.
They also encouraged Americans to contact their elected representatives and demand continued support for Ukraine.
The protests in Denver, Tampa, and Cologne are part of a broader wave of Ukrainian civic mobilization across the United States. In recent weeks, similar demands have been voiced at rallies in Los Angeles, San Diego, Seattle, and Chicago. However, these campaigns extend well beyond street protests alone. The organizers of the actions identify direct appeals to senators and members of the House of Representatives as the next step.
Photo: Tetiana Chupryna, Lori Vaclavik, Ukraine Solidarity Capital District, Daryna Skliarova, Danil_Zamiatin/Instagram, DShirokova21/Instagram
Author: Inna Mikhno