February 24 became 'Ukraine Day' in California: a rally was held in Sacramento to mark the anniversary of the start of the war

The anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine was marked by many actions of solidarity with the victim of the war and protest against the Kremlin's aggression. Rallies and rallies were held across America, including in Northern California.

Photo: Ksenia Kirillova

On this day, a teleconference was held at Stanford University with Ukrainian politicians and public figures: the former Prime Minister of the country Alexey Gorcharuk, journalist and former people's deputy Sergey Leshchenko, human rights activist Alexandra Matviychuk and deputy of the Verkhovna Rada Alexandra Ustinova. Also at the event were American officials and politicians involved in the issue of assistance to Ukraine.

Fight for freedom

All participants in the meeting stressed that, despite the incredible brutality of the Russian military, the ongoing shelling of cities, attacks on civilian infrastructure, terror against civilians and losses among the military and civilian population, Ukraine stood firm, thereby setting an example for the whole world.

«Previously, there was an opinion that authoritarian states are more effective than democracies, because they are mobile, do not get distracted by the internal problems of the country and do not take into account human losses. Ukraine has changed this perception and demonstrated the power of democracy to the whole world", - Alexey Goncharuk is sure.

The former prime minister emphasized that the Putin regime invaded Ukraine not for the sake of additional territories, but because it felt threatened by the civilizational choice Ukrainians made on the Maidan.

«That is why the war in Ukraine is not a regional conflict, but a battle for democracy and freedom", he stressed.

On the subject: An American soldier died in Ukraine: he went through Afghanistan and wanted to be useful in battles with Russia

Alexandra Ustinova also noted that the war in Ukraine is a war between freedom and totalitarianism, and other authoritarian states, including China, are watching the outcome of this battle with tension and drawing conclusions for themselves. According to Sergey Leshchenko, after Ukraine's victory, the country's entry into NATO will only strengthen this organization, since the Ukrainian army has demonstrated the ability to protect not only its country, but the whole of Europe.

Aleksey Goncharuk, who is currently involved in the implementation of NATO standards in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, agrees with him.

«I personally observed how the Ukrainian army has changed over this year, how fantastically its technical level and qualification of fighters have grown", he shared.

«I remember at the beginning of the Russian invasion I convinced the American congressmen that even if Kyiv fell, people would fight to the last; that we are not Afghanistan, and we will not give up our freedom so easily. This year we have proven it”, - Alexandra Ustinova is sure.

Photo: Ksenia Kirillova

Solidarity Rally

The same thoughts were voiced at the rally in honor of the anniversary of the full-scale aggression near the Capitol building in the California capital Sacramento. The "Solidarity Rally" was organized by the Ukrainian American House (Ukrainian American House), the Consulate General of Ukraine, as well as the movement of Russian political refugees "Voices of Sacramento political emigrants".

traffic coordinator Anna Berbeneva expressed her gratitude to those who, together with her and her like-minded people, volunteered all this year, buying clothes and equipment for the Ukrainian military, meeting refugees arriving in the United States and trying to convey information to the Americans about Russian aggression. Ukrainian Svetlana Petrusha, in turn, spoke about the importance of making trench candles, and the Russian woman Marguerite Janson-Wheeler urged to sign a petition to recognize PMC "Wagner" as a terrorist organization.

Consul General of Ukraine Dmitry Kushneruk, as well as other speakers, emphasized the incredible suffering that the Ukrainian people had to endure over the past year - and at the same time the amazing resilience shown by the Ukrainians. A living example of resilience Sergei - a Ukrainian military man who lost both legs at the front and came to the United States for prosthetics and rehabilitation.

Photo: Ksenia Kirillova

Do not believe the "evil world"

American politicians, the military, Ukrainian pastors, volunteers, Ukrainian refugees and Russian political emigrants spoke about the atrocities of the Russian occupiers and the importance of Ukraine's victory. Another important thought expressed at the rally was the need for further assistance to Ukraine. Participants emphasized that the readiness for peace talks, which the Kremlin demonstrates and which China insists on, should not mislead anyone. According to them, Putin is using the respite only to prepare for a new blow.

«This is all empty talk, and Putin will use any truce only to buy time, increase his military potential, and then go on the offensive. His regime is now built on the war, and he is going to end it", - said in a comment to our site the general of the California National Guard John Seapman.

His colleague, General Peter Cross. Both military men are old friends of Ukraine. All the time since the beginning of Russian aggression in 2014 California National Guard was engaged training of the Ukrainian military, as well as the supply of the latest medical equipment, weapons, equipment, the latest radar systems, and so on. Now their cooperation has become even closer.

Former US Special Representative for Ukraine Kurt Volker and General Peter Cross. Photo: Ksenia Kirillova

The former US Special Representative for Ukraine also agrees with the generals of the National Guard Kurt Volkeralso participated in the rally. The American diplomat emphasizes that after the loss of so many human lives, the only option remains a military victory for Ukraine. In his opinion, if Putin is not stopped, he will try to expand his empire in the future. Kurt Volker also emphasized the importance of events like this rally:

«It's very important to talk to people. Not every American keeps track of what is happening in Ukraine on a daily basis. People have doubts and questions, and such events help not only to unite people, but also to enlighten them, to give information about what is happening. I really hope that everyone who was here today will be able to share this with others.", says Kurt Volker.

Singer Tina Karol. Photo: Ksenia Kirillova

The rally ended with a concert by a famous Ukrainian singer Tina Karol.

«My weapon is the voice. This is how I can bring people together", - emphasizes the performer.

Read also on ForumDaily:

Five things you get tired of in America

11 tips for those who learn a foreign language on their own

An American soldier died in Ukraine: he went through Afghanistan and wanted to be useful in battles with Russia

Do you want more important and interesting news about life in the USA and immigration to America? — support us donate! Also subscribe to our page Facebook. Select the “Priority in display” option and read us first. Also, don't forget to subscribe to our РєР ° РЅР ° Р »РІ Telegram  and Instagram- there is a lot of interesting things there. And join thousands of readers ForumDaily New York — there you will find a lot of interesting and positive information about life in the metropolis.