Still Fighting: Ukrainians Rally in Detroit to Mark 2 Years of Invasion

togetherPhoto byLiz WeddononUnsplash

The echoes of solidarity reverberated along Jefferson Avenue in Detroit this past Sunday, as a chorus of honking cars accompanied individuals brandishing signs in support of Ukraine. Despite the physical distance from the conflict, hundreds gathered in downtown Detroit to rally behind the Ukrainian cause, marking the solemn anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine two years prior.

Organized by Sasha Tkachenko, the rally served as a poignant reminder that the struggle for freedom persists, even across oceans and borders. "We are still having a very hard time in our country. Russia is still sending tons of missiles our way," Tkachenko lamented. "Every Ukrainian in Michigan and in the world, we need support and to remind everyone that we are still alive and we are still fighting."

The images from the frontlines of the conflict remain hauntingly fresh. Russian incursions have ravaged Ukrainian soil, leaving destruction in their wake. Apartment buildings reduced to rubble, civilian targets relentlessly bombarded—these are the scars of a nation under siege. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's somber revelation that 31,000 Ukrainian soldiers have fallen in battle underscores the gravity of the ongoing struggle. And behind each statistic lies a story of loss, of shattered dreams, and of unyielding resilience.

For Theodore Kuchar, 29, of Redford Township, raising awareness is paramount. "They are fighting not just for themselves, but for world democracy," he emphasized. Yet, as time wears on, there's a risk of complacency setting in. "Initially there was a lot of attention for the war, but with time a lot of Americans got fatigued by the war," Kuchar observed—a sentiment echoed by many at the rally.

Christina Bodnarchuk of Wixom encapsulates the personal stakes intertwined with the conflict. With family in Ukraine, her concern transcends geopolitical boundaries. "Ukraine acts as a barrier between Russia's fight coming to the rest of the world," she remarked. The desire to see loved ones without fear, to embrace a sense of normalcy, is a universal longing shared by many like Bodnarchuk.

Tkachenko's firsthand experience delivering aid to the war-torn regions underscores the urgency of the situation. "This is also motivating us, and this is also helping us, thinking that we still fighting, we still alive. Our country still exists," he emphasized. Yet, amid the turmoil, the support from Ukraine's Western allies serves as a beacon of hope. Despite logistical challenges, the influx of weapons and financial aid underscores a collective commitment to stand with Ukraine in its hour of need.

At the rally, voices of political leaders resonated with promises of support. U.S. Rep. Shri Thanedar and 10th district congressional candidate Carl Marlinga underscored the importance of robust U.S. backing for Ukraine. Thanedar pledged unwavering support and emphasized the moral imperative of aiding Ukraine in its struggle for sovereignty. Marlinga, in turn, called upon Republicans in Congress to set aside partisan divides and stand in solidarity with Ukraine.

The recent imposition of new sanctions on Russia by the U.S. government signifies a firm stance against Russian aggression. President Joe Biden's condemnation of Putin's "brutal war of conquest" reaffirms America's commitment to holding aggressors to account.

As the rally drew to a close, the resounding message echoed loud and clear: solidarity knows no borders. In Detroit, a city known for its resilience, Ukrainians and their supporters stood shoulder to shoulder, a testament to the enduring spirit of defiance in the face of tyranny. And as the world watches, may their rallying cry serve as a beacon of hope for a brighter, more just future.