Ukrainians and supporters of Ukraine gathered in Milwaukee to show unwavering support for the country on Feb. 23, as Russia’s full-scale invasion marks its third year this month. City, county and community leaders expressed their solidarity with Ukraine at the rally, with some commenting on President Donald Trump’s recent statements.

“It’s a time where we need to be locking arms and making sure that we are standing up for justice,” David Crowley, county executive of Milwaukee County, said. “I stand in solidarity. We are here in support of Ukraine.”

Crowley said that the fight in Ukraine shows the entire world how much American democracy is at stake.

“There are folks in our country and outside that are looking to rewrite and revisit history,” Crowley said. “President [Volodymyr] Zelenskyy was elected in a free and fair election.”

Halyna Salapata, the president of the nonprofit group Wisconsin Ukrainians Inc., said that Ukrainians are frustrated and disappointed with the misleading claims about Zelenskyy’s illegitimacy. 

“President Trump has an incredible opportunity before him to lead a path towards just and lasting peace,” Salapata said. “Any attempt to force Ukraine into signing an agreement without Ukraine’s active participation is doomed to fail.”

Salapata said that the war against Ukraine is not just an invasion but an act of genocide. 

“We find ourselves having to prove to the world that we Ukrainians have the right to exist,” Salapata said.

Darryl Morin, national president of Forward Latino, said that the U.S. has a choice to make whether to support a dictator or to stand with a growing democracy in Ukraine. 

“If you believe in freedom, I ask you to call the U.S. Capitol and talk to your senator,” Morin said. “Tell them or their staffer that the U.S. must continue to provide meaningful support to Ukraine.”

“Third Annual Rally for Ukraine” was organized by Wisconsin Ukrainians, Inc., which has raised about $700,000 since its establishment in March 2022. Its main priority is to provide humanitarian aid and medical supplies directly to paramedics in Ukraine. 

Salapata said the need for tourniquets, chest seals and first aid kits is urgent as they work with many battalions. 

“It doesn’t matter how much we buy, it’s never enough,” Salapata said. “The need is huge.”

Salapata said that support for Ukraine is needed today more than three years ago when Russia invaded Ukraine for the second time. 

“I do feel like if we had a light at the end of the tunnel, it somehow disappeared in the last few weeks,” Salapata said. “If today we betray Ukraine, tomorrow they come for you because the war will never stop in Ukraine.”