Photo: Suzanne Sausville / WBZ
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) – Ukrainian protestors gathered in Jamaica Plain Sunday afternoon calling for peace over the tense situation between Russia and Ukraine.
“Stand With Ukraine: Day of Solidarity in Boston” was organized by the Ukrainian Cultural Center of New England, Christ the King Ukrainian Catholic Church and Ukrainian Boston. The organizations invited people to come and join the "#StandwithUkraine Campaign" and show support for the “independence and territorial integrity” of the country.
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During the rally, dozens of cars were blasting Ukrainian music and had Ukrainian and American flags sticking out the back as they made their way to the World War II Memorial in the Back Bay Fens. Anton Khlebos said the eight-year struggle between Russia and Ukraine resembles a game of Russian roulette.
“We are afraid for the possibility, but I think our spirits are overall strong,” he said. “If Russia’s being called out that [they’re] going to attack, I think that deters them from active aggression at this moment.”
This comes as Russia is reportedly on the verge of launching their attack. According to the Associated Press (AP), the country has extended is military drills near Ukraine’s northern border and Ukraine’s president has appealed for a cease-fire.
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“The exercises were originally set to end Sunday and brought a sizable contingent of Russian forces to Belarus,” the AP said. “The presence of the Russian troops raised concern that they could be used to sweep down on the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, a city of about 3 million people less than a three-hour drive away.”
Lesya Kuzyk said 15,000 Ukrainians have died over the course of the conflict and that two million have been displaced. She thanked the United States for supporting Ukraine.
“We do feel a that United States is a major player in trying to deter this Russian monster.”
The motorcade event started around 1:00 p.m. and a candlelight vigil at the memorial was held at 3:00 p.m.
WBZ’s Suzanne Sausville (@wbzSausville) was there:
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