Victor Suez chants in Ukrainian at Colter Park in Phoenix in protest of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 27, 2022. Suez and other demonstrators called upon U.S. leaders to play a more active role in in opposing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. (Photo by Samantha Chow/Cronkite News)
Demonstrators gather at Phoenix’sColter Park in support of Ukraine after marching from the Ukrainian American Cultural Center in Phoenix on Feb. 27, 2022. (Photo by Samantha Chow/Cronkite News)
Sergei Nosov holds his son Daniel Nosov on his shoulders during a Stand with Ukraine event in Phoenix on Feb. 27, 2022. The march ended at Colter Park where people sang and chanted together. (Photo by Samantha Chow/Cronkite News)
Emily Myrkina, 10, left, and Catherine Wolfson, 8, wave a Ukrainian flag during a march in support of Ukraine in Phoenix on Feb. 27, 2022. The girls, who are from Ukraine, said they are afraid for their friends and family back home but are hopeful for peace. (Photo by Samantha Chow/Cronkite News)
From left, Nadia Thomson, Stephen Ross and Zorianna Masnyj take a selfie after marching in support of Ukraine on Feb. 27, 2022. (Photo by Samantha Chow/Cronkite News)
PHOENIX – Hundreds of demonstrators marched from the Ukrainian American Cultural Center to Colter Park in central Phoenix on Sunday in support of Ukraine.
After a larger turnout than expected, demonstrators marched further than the intended destination of 7th Street and Camelback, drawing attention and honks of support from passing cars.
The event was organized by the St. Mary’s Protectress Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Ukraine shortly after Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine last week – following weeks of Russian troops gathering at the Ukrainian border for what Russia President Vladimir Putin claimed were military exercises.
The Facebook announcement for the event called on “all Ukrainians, Ukrainian-Americans, friends, and supporters of Ukraine from all over Arizona to come and show your solidarity with Ukraine, and support for its independence, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, including Crimea and the temporarily occupied regions of eastern Ukraine.”