2024 Community Rally: 2 years since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine
Ukraine supporters gather for a peaceful march in Phoenix, Arizona to mark second anniversary of full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Photos by Christina Scherer.
On February 24th, Ukraine supporters across the globe held vigils, rallies, and marches to mark the second anniversary of Russia's illegal, brutal, and genocidal full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Supporters from all corners of Arizona attended solidarity rallies in Phoenix and Flagstaff. Rally participants had the opportunity to pose for photos with the "ARIZONA STANDS WITH UKRAINE" banner, hear from community leaders about local war relief and advocacy efforts, and sign a petition addressed to Speaker of the House Mike Johnson and Arizona House representatives, calling for the passage of Ukraine aid.
"Today we face a choice: stand with Ukraine against Russian aggression or abandon our ally and the fight against tyranny. The path forward is clear. I stand with Arizona's Ukrainian community in our fight for democracy," stated Rep. Ruben Gallego in his tweet following his address at the Phoenix rally.
Despite two years of unimaginable suffering, loss, and destruction in Ukraine—where the lives of every single man, woman, and child have been torn apart—Ukraine continues to defend itself where possible, while obliterating Russia's naval fleet and eliminating air threats by shooting down russian combat planes. For many of us, it is inconceivable that the war ravaging the heart of Europe is heading into its 11th year since the annexation of Crimea. Yet, the lives of Ukrainian defenders and civilians—who depend heavily on Ukraine Supplemental Aid—continue to be used as pawns in partisan political games, even six months later. That’s six long months of defending key positions with insufficient ammunition and artillery. Every day the vote for supplemental aid is delayed creates circumstances where Ukrainians are killed, maimed, raped, and tortured. Moreover, frontline strongholds are forced to give up positions and retreat due to a lack of ammunition and artillery, as was evident in the recent retreat from Avdiivka.
