Boston, MA – February 23, 2025 – On Sunday, over 1,000 people gathered at Boston Common for a powerful ‘Stand With Ukraine’ rally, marking the eve of the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Demonstrators waved flags from America, Ukraine, Georgia, Lithuania, and many other nations and organizations, holding handmade signs and standing together in unwavering support for Ukraine.
‘Stand With Ukraine’ rally. Boston. February 23, 2025
The rally was opened by speeches from Anton Khlebas, a volunteer and one of the co-founders of the Ukrainian Cultural Center of New England (UCCN), and Carl Sheline, Mayor of Lewiston, Maine. Their words set a heartfelt and determined tone for the event, emphasizing the importance of solidarity and action in support of Ukraine.
The event, organized by the Ukrainian Cultural Center of New England (UCCN), represented a collaborative effort from numerous organizations, including the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (Boston branch), Ukrainian American Educational Center, American Coalition for Ukraine, Ukrainian American Veterans, Ukrainian American Youth Association – Boston branch, Center Makor, Plast Boston, Boston Support Ukraine, Ukraine Forward, Mriya, Osnova, Dobro New England, local Ukrainian students, diaspora, and friends of Ukraine.
The rally began at the Boston Public Library and concluded at Boston Common, where speakers addressed the crowd with calls for continued support of Ukraine. The atmosphere was filled with chants such as “Stand for Ukraine, Stand for Freedom,” “Ukraine is not for sale,” “Russia is a terrorist state,” and “Make Putin pay, not Ukraine.”
Massachusetts State Representative of the 3rd Worcester District and co-chair of the Polish-American Caucus, Michael Paul Kushmerek, and U.S. Representative Jake Auchincloss of Massachusetts’s 4th Congressional District were among the speakers. Statements of support were also read from Senator Edward J. Markey, Congresswoman Katherine Clark, Congressman William Keating, Congressman James McGovern, and Congresswoman Lori Trahan.
American veteran Donny, who fought in the Russo-Ukrainian war, delivered a stirring speech on the importance of freedom and standing against oppression. Religious leaders, including Father Serhiy (Ukrainian chaplain and veteran), Father Yaroslav Nalysnyk from Christ the King Ukrainian Catholic Church, and Rabbi and Cantor Oksana Chapman from Temple Emmanuel of Chelsea, offered heartfelt prayers and messages of hope.
American veteran Donny, who fought in the Russo-Ukrainian war
Rev. Yaroslav Nalysnyk, Archpriest of the Ukrainian Catholic Church of Christ the King in Boston, remarked on the moral imperative of holding aggressors accountable: “The aggressor, and evil, should be punished, and the victims must always be protected.”
U.S. Representative Jake Auchincloss reaffirmed Democratic support for Ukraine, stating, “I never thought I would live to see the day when an American President sides with tyranny against freedom. Donald Trump is trying to sell out Ukraine, and we must not let him.”
U.S. Representative Jake Auchincloss of Massachusetts’s 4th Congressional District
Jared Roberts, a rally participant, emphasized the community’s resolve: “We are not gonna quit. We’re gonna keep coming out here, we’re gonna keep making noise because we believe in Ukraine, we believe in Ukraine’s freedom.”
MIT student Sashko Horokh highlighted the strategic importance of supporting Ukraine: “Supporting Ukraine is an investment in your own security and freedom, and not a charity.”
The rally was a testament to the enduring solidarity of the Boston community with Ukraine, underscoring that the fight for freedom and justice transcends borders.