Community Rallies At Greenwich Town Hall In Support Of Ukraine

GREENWICH, CT — The colors of azure blue and golden yellow waved in solidarity in front of Greenwich Town Hall on Tuesday afternoon, as over 200 people gathered for a rally to support Ukraine following Russia's recent invasion of the country.

Some rally-goers were wrapped in the Ukrainian flag. Others waved it high and proud. Some brought signs protesting the war. "Help David, Stop Goliath", one sign read. Another had the words "No Missiles Should Fly Over Children's Heads".

Tania Priatka, a Greenwich resident of Ukrainian descent who still has family in Ukraine, said she felt compelled to attend the rally and show support.

"I can't be there, so this is the least I could be doing," she said.

When Russia decided to invade Ukraine last week, Priatka said she felt like a weight pressed down on her chest. She last spoke to her family Monday night, who are holding up in the capital of Kyiv.

"This is what we need to be doing now. We need to give them a voice, when what they're doing is fighting for their lives," Priatka said of the freedom fighters who are defending their homeland. "I'm proud of the fact I'm Ukrainian. I'm praying for [the people there] incessantly."

Another rally-goer and Greenwich resident, Natalie Danysh, who is also Ukrainian, was born in the United States, but Ukraine has her roots.

"I was always proud of the country, but I'm proud of the people there," she said, praising Ukrainian President Valodymyr Zelensky. "I would follow him to the edge of the world. He's that kind of person."

Danysh said she wanted to go overseas to Poland and help refugees who are fleeing Ukraine.

The rally featured remarks from several elected officials, who spoke about the ongoing war and how to help here in America.

U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), who was in Washington, D.C. Tuesday, spoke to the crowd in Greenwich virtually.

"We are all Ukranians at this moment of crisis. We are all involved and engaged in this fierce, brave, bold resistance of the Ukrainian people," he said.

During a visit to Ukraine six weeks ago, Blumenthal said he was convinced Russian President Vladimir Putin was underestimating the resolve and resilience of the Ukrainian people.

"They are giving the world a lesson in courage and conviction," he said.

Blumenthal said the world's outrage isn't a substitute for action. He called for a boycott of Russian goods, and more aggressive action against Putin's interests and the elites who support him.

"This reign of terror, the horror that Putin is throwing at Ukraine, is a cause for outrage. He is really, in effect, a war criminal. He is a butcher. He's a KGB thug. He knows no morality," Blumenthal said.

Greenwich First Selectman Fred Camillo urged residents to help in any way they can.

"Anything you can do to help these people, would be greatly appreciated. No act is too small, no gift or thought is too small. We need to stand with them. They certainly don't deserve what's going on there right now," he said. "When you hit your knees tonight or lay your head in the pillow, please remember what everyone is going through in Ukraine, not knowing what tomorrow's going to bring."

State Rep. Kimberly Fiorello (R-149), who represents parts of Greenwich and Stamford, said her family is very familiar with tyrany and war. She's a granddaughter of North Korean refugees.

"My whole life I have known that liberty hangs in the balance, that there is real evil out there that cherishes power and control and death. On the other side of that, there are those that cherish family, liberty and life," she said, calling the Russian invasion "sickening and unjustified."

State Rep. Harry Arora (R-151) and State Sen. Ryan Fazio (R-36) also spoke, and said the community is standing with the people of Ukraine and those who defend freedom and sovereignty.

The rally was organized by Greenwich resident and former Miss Connecticut USA 2017, Olga Litvinenko.

Litvinenko was able to get her mother and two rescue dogs out of Ukraine right before the war began. However, her great aunt, other family members and friends are still in Kyiv.

"This situation that has risen has been devastating," she said. "We really, really need help. Both from a financial standpoint from donations, and volunteers to put pressure on our government to make appropriate decisions to help people there."

Litvinenko said people should donate to reputable sources.

Dr. Inna Lazar, a Greenwich resident who also still has family in Ukraine, was moved to tears when asking for help.

"We need to come together. Ukraine needs us," she said. "I know we can do it."

At the conclusion of the ceremony, the crowd sang the Ukrainian National Anthem.

After most of the attendees had left, a Ukrainian flag was raised in front of Town hall.

It's flying right next to the American flag.