CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Monday marks three years since Russia invaded Ukraine and began the deadliest invasion in Europe since World War II.
Ukrainians and supporters in Charlotte gathered in Uptown Sunday afternoon for a rally, in hopes this war will come to an end.
“I’m very proud of being Ukrainian,” said Inna Collins.
That Ukrainian pride was on full display Sunday afternoon at Romare Bearden Park. Dozens of people gathered, decked out in blue and yellow, waving flags and holding signs in support of their country torn apart by war.
“I couldn’t even imagine that my country was attacked in the first place,” said Inna.
Inna is one of the many people who showed up, along with her husband, in hopes that the three-year-long war will be over soon.
“I want us to always be on the right side of history, to defend the oppressed, to stand up for democracy and do what’s right, so that’s why I’m here,” said Inna’s husband, Scott Collins.
Americans and Ukrainians alike shared the same sentiments.
“We live here in the United States today but we are with Ukraine,” said Olena Haishuk.
Haishuk is from Ukraine and made this sign depicting images from her hometown before the war and now. She still has family there.
“It’s heartbreaking,” she said. “Every day I wake up it feels like I live in a depression. I can’t enjoy life. I can’t do much knowing they are in danger.”
She wants demonstrations like this one in Charlotte to send a message to people in power.
“Hopefully the American government will hear us and they will be on Ukrainians’ side,” said Haishuk.
