New Yorkers mark 1 year since Russia's invasion of Ukraine with remembrances, memorials
NEW YORK CITY (WABC) -- Many events took place Friday in New York City to mark one year since Russia invaded Ukraine.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul visited a Ukrainian church in the East Village.
At Bowling Green Park, supporters of Ukraine raised the blue and yellow flag.
Air raid sirens wailed in Brighton Beach - a reminder of the daily danger thousands of miles away.
The Brooklyn neighborhood is home to one of the largest Ukrainian communities outside of Ukraine itself.
A fundraiser was held there to help support the fight.
Overnight on the Upper East Side, protestors stomped on Russian flags, chanted, and held signs outside the Russian Consulate.
"I really hope this will be a great reminder for everyone that a small country with a huge nation with a huge spirit can defeat a larger country because we have truth on our side," said Arthur Zgurov, a protestor.
"It's about more than just the Ukrainian territory. It's about the principle of democracy and self-determination," said Denys Dratsky, a Ukrainian American.
Some of the protestors even included Russians who are disgusted with the actions of President Vladimir Putin.
"It's not that we want the war, Ukraine has been the country that suffered the most, but the unfortunate reality is that we have a bully with nukes on our front steps," Dratsky said.
They also have Congress on their side, and $113 billion in aid so far.
"This is a battle between democracy and dictatorship, between our future and our past. The global democratic community is tied together by shared values and a common destiny. A threat to my friends is a threat to me," Congressman Dan Goldman said.
Ukraine's President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy marked the solemn anniversary by addressing his troops in Kyiv.
A year ago, he famously refused an offer from the United States to evacuate as the Russians moved in.
Instead, earlier this week the tables turned as he hosted President Biden in the war zone.
"Ukraine will never be a victory for Russia, never!" Biden said. "The United States, together with our allies and partners are going to continue to have Ukraine's back as it defends itself."
Ukrainians held memorials, candlelit vigils, and other remembrances for their tens of thousands of dead as the war rages on in defense of freedom.
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