Rally held in downtown Wilmington as Russia-Ukraine war hits two-year anniversary

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY)  — On Saturday evening, a rally and candlelit vigil was held to commemorate the two-year anniversary of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.  

The rally was organized on the steps of Thalian Hall and echoes similar gatherings in Los Angeles, New York, and Washington, DC as Ukrainian forces face shortages in ammunition and foreign aid. 

Rally attendees, many of whom are Ukrainian nationals, say now is the time for leaders in the United States to provide much-needed aid. 

“It’s just a reminder that the war is still there going on,” rally organizer Barbara Bakowycz said. “The devastation is going on. The bombings are taking place every day. So, it’s kind of letting people know that this still continues.” 

Ukrainian-American Lena Leonchuk noted for many Ukrainian civilians, including members of her own family, the question remains whether to help from behind the front lines or to fight. 

“That kind of decision is very important, right? You leave your family, you leave your kids and, you know, you are affecting not just your own life, but many other people’s lives by sacrificing,” Leonchuk explained. 

Ukrainian attendee Irene Maksymiv hopes to see U.S. leaders do more. 

“I want to see in America how, if people ask, government listens,” Maksymiv expressed. 

Maksymiv’s calls were echoed by Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo, who attended and spoke at the event. 

“All you have to do is pick up your telephone, or get on your computer and please notify your representatives that this is important to us, to the world, to the Ukrainian people,” Saffo said. 

On Wednesday last week, WWAY asked U.S. House Representative David Rouzer whether he would support additional aid to Ukraine. 

“I think we have to be very cognizant to that,” Rouzer stated. “At the same time, we don’t need to be writing any country a blank check. There needs to be accountability, you know, for the dollars that are spent . . . but I think it’s in the US strategic interest to make sure that Ukraine at least holds Russia at bay, and preferably win outright.” 

Although Saturday marks two years since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Feb. 20 marked the ten-year anniversary since Russia invaded Crimea. 

“We have experienced ten years of fighting. We will do it ourselves, but we need the help,” Maksymiv said. 

On Feb. 13, Senator Thom Tillis voted in favor of the supplemental package to provide funding for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, which passed the Senate in a 70-29 vote.

“If we walk away, you will see the alliance that is supporting Ukraine crumble,” Tillis said from the Senate floor. “You will ultimately see China become emboldened. And I am not going to be on that page of history. I believe that we have to vote today. And we have to respect some of the priorities, maybe the concerns of the House, as they move this through. But let’s let this chamber be the chamber that stands with the free world. That’s what we can do today. That’s what we must do today.”

Senator Ted Budd voted against the aid package, citing a lack of border security provisions in the bill.

“In order to be a strong nation, we first have to be strong here at home. We must secure our own border before we can help other countries protect theirs,” Budd stated.