Rally for Ukraine marks four painful years since war started

Hundreds gathered at the Utah Capitol Saturday Feb. 28 to mark the four-year anniversary of Russia’s war on Ukraine. Bright yellow and blue Ukrainian flags flew alongside American flags while unique, specially-made flags featured a combination of the two. There were Utah flags on display as well and posters of support for the people of Ukraine. The Ukrainian and American national anthems were sung.

“We are gathered here once again to mark this somber occasion…a fourth year (since the war began). Uncertainty includes no more humanitarian aid from America,” said emcee Basil Newmerzhycky. He spoke of power being knocked out by Russian strikes leaving no electricity or heat for Ukrainian people in one of the coldest winters in decades. “But they continue to persevere. There is one certainty; Russia will not win this war,” he said. 

Every speaker that followed spoke of the hell of war, but also of hope and solidarity.

Ukrainian pastor Oleg Kamanov offered a prayer. “We weep with those who weep. But even in darkness, these is hope. We believe peace is still possible,” he said. 

Fewer people came to this year’s rally than years past. Some stayed home because they are Ukrainian refugees who fled but are now living in fear in America. “Refugees in Utah have expressed uncertainty of being deported back to a war zone,” Newmerzhycky said. 

Karen Diehl from Cottonwood Heights came to the rally and noticed the smaller crowd. She expressed concern the Trump administration’s recent actions in Venezuela and El Salvador (and subsequent actions in Iran) could overshadow the ongoing war. “I’m afraid Ukraine and its people will be forgotten because of newer conflicts in the world,” she said.

Jonathan Freeman, Honorary Consul of Ukraine in Utah, addressed the crowd. Freedman said Ukraine is his adopted second home after having served a church mission there in the 1990s. “Along with you, my heart bleeds. We pray to keep the bond between Utah, the U.S. and Ukraine strong and thriving. Vladimir Putin completely misestimated he could take the capitol Kyiv in four days. We’ve seen grandmothers and children join the fight. I honor every single Ukrainian.”

Freedman noted a young Utahn was recently killed in the war, 38-year old Trevor Crane from St. George. “He was fighting on behalf of this great cause,” Freedman said. He also identified Dell Loy Hansen, a Utahn with no prior connection to Ukraine who stepped up to build housing there for thousands of refugees whose homes have been destroyed. “He’s built, at his own expense, five different villages outside Kyiv, housing people from all over the country, because he recognized this is good versus evil,” Freedman said. 

 Nathaniel Sanders rallied the crowd by running with flags he’d brought before approaching the podium. “Four long years and Ukraine is still here,” he said. His passion for the cause was contagious. Sanders, who works as a prosecutor in the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s office, established and serves as Executive Director of the nonprofit Utah for Ukraine. He has personally made trips to Ukraine with humanitarian aid as well as flags he’s had Utahns sign in support of the people there and he returns with flags signed by Ukrainians thanking Utahns for their support. Sanders spoke of the people he’s met in Ukraine with emotion in his voice. “It’s a huge amount of loss and pain. It’s that love of peace that makes them fight so hard…for their land and for their families,” Sanders said.

Jason Stout said the day marked 1,465 days since evacuating his home in Ukraine. He has set up the Responsibility Foundation to help the people in his homeland. “In spite of everything, Ukraine has endured. But it’s not over yet. Putin is striking to stop power and electricity. People are freezing in their own homes. War is hell, but there’s still some good in this world today and it’s worth fighting for,” Stout said, choking up. “World War II seemed unwinnable until we won. 

Ukraine is doing the heavy lifting for the entire free world,” Stout said.

Several Utah politicians came to the rally to express support for the fight for freedom. Legislative leaders and Gov. Spencer Cox held a press conference the week prior showing their support of Ukraine. “I’m so proud that here in Utah we stand for cherished values we share with Ukraine, including sovereignty,” Freedman said. 

State Sen. Stephanie Pitcher said, “Like Ukraine, Utah understands faith, community and family. Utah must continue to support Ukraine.” Pitcher urged lawmakers to protect the lawful status of Ukrainian refugees. 

Former Salt Lake County Mayor and U.S. Congressman Ben McAdams was the final speaker. McAdams recently declared he’s running for Congress again. While in the crowd, he met Riley Owen, a Republican who’s running against him. McAdams invited Owen to the podium as he began his remarks and he introduced Owen to the crowd. “We’re running against each other, but we agree the U.S. needs to support Ukraine,” McAdams said. 

McAdams spoke about many Ukrainians who came to America legally, including Utah, to flee the war. He said they’re working and going to church and school, “but now their legal status is in jeopardy.”

Several speakers at the event encouraged people to warn fellow-Americans against Russian propaganda that has infiltrated the U.S. via the internet and various sources, to reach out to elected officials to call for a vote to punish countries buying Russian oil, and for the U.S. to send Russia’s frozen assets to rebuild Ukraine. McAdams specifically spoke in support of the Graham/Blumenthal bill and encouraged others to work to get it passed by contacting their congressional representatives.

“Russia invaded Ukraine. Vladimir Putin started this war. Ukraine didn’t choose war, but they stood up. To the Ukrainian people, thank you for defending democracies across the globe. This fight is over if force will overcome the law,” McAdams said. “We stand with Ukraine because it is the right thing for the U.S. to do. I believe when freedom is threatened, we cannot back down,” 

Many resources exist to help Ukraine. Here is a sampling of a few: Utahukrainians.org, UtahforUkraine.org and Responsibilityfoundation.org.