Local Ukrainians host community event at Long Leaf Park

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — This Monday marks three years since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. To observe the anniversary, the Ukrainian community in Wilmington gathered at Long Leaf Park on Saturday.

The group “Ukrainians in the Carolinas” hosted an event featuring singing, dancing, and speeches, offering a chance for the community to come together and reflect on the ongoing conflict.

Recently, President Donald Trump made remarks suggesting Ukraine is to blame for the war and called President Zelensky a dictator. These comments have raised concerns among members of the local Ukrainian community.

Barbara Bakowicz, a community member, found these statements troubling.

“Russia has attacked Ukraine ever since 2014 as far as in this century and there’s a long history that goes way beyond that, but the latest rhetoric about Ukraine to have started the war that Ukraine is completely demolished, which is not true, there is a lot of very dangerous rhetoric and that’s really disturbing to a lot of us.”

Event organizer Lena Leoncjuck said that Trump’s comments don’t change the community’s resolve.

“To be honest, it doesn’t really change a lot of things that I do and what Ukrainians do… nothing stops. Yes, obviously we are expecting or we are wanting to have that help, we rely on it greatly, there’s nothing to hide, but that doesn’t change Ukraine’s course and where it’s going.”

Anastasiia Chapman pointed out that Trump’s remarks echo statements made by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“We have heard that from Putin and Putin’s supporters for the last three years… and now we are hearing it all over again. This is the propaganda that was put on the Russians that came from the TV…”

Barbara Bakowicz emphasized the need for continued action during these uncertain times.

“We also need to constantly be contacting our local legislators who are in office, who have the ability and the power to influence the administration to do what is going to be beneficial for everyone in the long run. We need to keep the pressure on.”

For more information on how to get involved with “Ukrainians in the Carolinas,” click here.