SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Ukrainian Americans came together at the California State Capitol Saturday to remember those defending their homeland two years after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Hundreds attended the "Sacramento Solidarity Rally for Ukraine" and created a sea of yellow and blue across the steps of the capitol building.
“We are tired, but we are not going to give up,” said rally organizer Caroleana Allison.
Those in attendance vowed to never forget what the past two years have brought, but also the devastation since 2014 when Russia took control of the Ukrainian region of Crimea.
“Today is that poignant reminder, and there is a lot of traumas that our community has experienced,” said Allison.
The mood for the event was somber as attendees say Ukraine faces mounting challenges amid dwindling supplies and personnel challenges going into the third year of the war.
California National Guard Major General Matthew Beevers agrees this war could have far reaching consequences if Russia wins.
“Make no mistake if Putin is not stopped in Ukraine, he will likely invade the Baltics and Poland, Romania, Moldova. Triggering another catastrophic land war in Europe,” said Beevers.
Sacramento is home to one of the largest Ukrainian populations in the United States, and one of the largest Slavic communities.
Iryna Bilyk is one of many people who have resided in the Sacramento area as she fled her home country when the war began.
“We always have in our memory when the war started, it will never go out of our head. And it is very difficult. We remember about this all the time,” said Bilyk.
People at the rally praying western nations continue their support of Ukraine financially, militarily, and morally.
“It is important to know that Ukraine can win this war. Ukraine, not alone, but Ukraine together with United States being the leader of this international coalition of allies,” said Dmytro Kushneruk, the Consul General of Ukraine in San Francisco.
After the event, the California State Capitol’s dome was lit up in yellow and blue in solidarity with Ukraine and its people.
