Hundreds rally in support of Ukraine 1 year after Russia’s invasion
The Ukrainian Cultural Center of New England planned the rally.
Supporters of Ukraine hold signs and wave flags during a Stand with Ukraine rally at Copley Square in Boston, Massachusetts, on February 26, 2023. Joseph Prezioso/AFP
Hundreds gathered at Copley Square in Boston to rally against the Russian invasion of Ukraine Sunday afternoon. The Ukrainian Cultural Center of New England planned the rally to coincide with the one-year anniversary of the start of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Those who came out filled Copley Square. – Joseph Prezioso/AFP
On Feb. 24, 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine, attacking its major cities. Since then, there have been more than 8,000 deaths, according to the United Nations Human Rights Office.
UN Human Rights Chief @volker_turk deplores human cost of Russia’s war against #Ukraine as civilian casualties pass 21K with at least 8,006 dead & 13,287 injured. "This senseless war is a blatant affront to intl law. Its vast human toll must end now."
UCCN called the rally “Ukraine: 365 Days of Defending Freedom.” Others across the nation held similar rallies over the weekend.
“Ukraine: 365 Days of Defending Freedom” rally in Boston’s historic Copley Square today, organized by @uccnorg. It was a beautiful event. And it shouldn’t have to happen again, except as a celebration of freedom and #peace. #UkraineWarAnniversarypic.twitter.com/H7ktXWJIfh
Alex Nikanov, an organizer, hands out signs to protestors. – Nathan Klima/The Boston GlobeSupporters of Ukraine became emotional and wiped tears from their faces. – Joseph Prezioso/AFP
People gathered at 2 p.m., and some gave speeches.
A person with the colors of the Ukrainian flag painted on their lips holds a sign during the rally. – Joseph Prezioso/AFPZoe Gomez-Petrenko, 6, plants Ukrainian flags in a pile of snow. – Nathan Klima/The Boston GlobeSupporters of Ukraine chanted “glory to Ukraine” and “thank you USA.” – Joseph Prezioso/AFPA young boy waves a Ukrainian flag. – Nathan Klima/The Boston GlobeSome protestors wore blue and yellow flower crowns for the flag. – Joseph Prezioso/AFPA mother helps put her child’s gloves on. – Nathan Klima/The Boston Globe
At 3 p.m., there was a line of people that provided posters detailing the timeline of the war.
Rally participants hold signs representing important days of the war in the last year. – Joseph Prezioso/AFPMany donned flags like capes and brought signs. – Joseph Prezioso/AFPRalliers held a moment of silence. – Joseph Prezioso/AFPA man waves a Ukrainian flag. – Nathan Klima/The Boston Globe
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