WASHINGTON –– Holding signs highlighting Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and urging the United States’ to provide more aid, hundreds of demonstrators on Saturday met at the Lincoln Memorial to commemorate the one year anniversary of Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Hosted by United Help Ukraine, the rally featured prominent speakers and culminated in a march to the Russian ambassador’s house. Speakers included Ukrainian Ambassador to the U.S. Oksana Markarova and Samantha Power, administrator of the United States Agency for International Development. Though there was an emphasis on solidarity, demonstrators also held signs urging the U.S. to provide additional military equipment, such as fighter jets.
“The United States will continue to be a partner, not only in Ukraine’s defense, not only in the war to defeat Putin and his forces, but in the fight to strengthen Ukraine’s democracy and its economy,” said Power at the event.
By Kaitlin Bender-Thomas/Medill News Service
This comes as President Biden promised additional military aid of nearly half a billion dollars during his recent surprise trip to Kyiv.
Among the signs and speeches, there was also an emphasis on standing united with Ukrainians, as mentioned by Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Karen Donfried, who was also in attendance.
“[Russian President Vladimir] Putin has sought to splinter our global coalition. He has failed,” said Donfried. “We are stronger precisely because we stand united with so many others who want to live in a world where the principles enshrined in the UN charter are respected, not shredded.”
A protester holds a sign referencing Ukraine’s past conflict with Russia. (Caroline Neal/MNS)
Protesters hold up signs calling for the U.S. to arm Ukraine. (Caroline Neal/MNS)
A protester holds up a sign condemning the actions of Russian President Vladimir Putin, a frequent theme at the rally. (Caroline Neal/MNS)
On Saturday, protesters gathered by the Lincoln Memorial to recognize the one year anniversary of Russia’s invasion in Ukraine. (Caroline Neal/MNS)
Demonstrators hold up a large Ukrainian flag. (Caroline Neal/MNS)
