Vigil For Ukraine As It Fights Off Russian Troops Planned This Week In Annapolis

ANNAPOLIS, MD — As Russia continues to bombard some of Ukraine's largest cities with rockets, Maryland will host a solidarity vigil for Ukraine this Wednesday in Annapolis. Gov. Larry Hogan announced the news Tuesday as Russia continued to invade its Western neighbor.

The solidarity event is scheduled for 6 p.m. on the Lawyers Mall plaza outside the Maryland State House. The governor will live stream the vigil on his YouTube channel.

"This is an opportunity for Marylanders to come together and show support for the brave Ukrainian people as they fight for their country and their lives," Hogan tweeted.

RELATED: Gov. Hogan Condemns 'Barbarous' Russian Invasion Of Ukraine

Over the weekend, Hogan ordered the end of Maryland’s sister-state relationship with the Leningrad Region of Russia. The two areas had been affiliated since 1993.

On Thursday Hogan called Russia's invasion of Ukraine a "barbarous military assault from a deranged autocrat."

The governor similarly told state agencies to review contracts, procurements and holdings that may have Russian ties.

Hogan also attended a special prayer service Monday at St. Michael the Archangel Ukrainian Catholic Church in Baltimore City.

He additionally shared a picture of the governor's mansion lit in blue and yellow, which are the colors of the Ukrainian flag.

What's Happening In Ukraine?

Russia invaded Ukraine last Thursday morning. Troops have stormed swaths of land, and reports of missile attacks have swept the nation.

The Associated Press said Russian soldiers bombarded Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city. Along with Kharkiv, Russian forces have encircled the cities of Kherson and Mariupol.

A 40-mile long convoy of Russian tanks and vehicles is also on its way to Kyiv, Ukraine's capital and its most populated city.

Western leaders fear this is a sign that Russia may try to overthrow Ukraine's government. The Eastern European nation has a growing democracy, but it still battles frequent corruption.

Freedom House, a human rights group, gave Ukraine a democracy rating of 39 percent. A score of zero represents the least democratic and 100 signals the most democratic. Russia earned a democracy rating of 7 percent thanks to the authoritarian rule of President Vladimir Putin.

Why Did Russia Invade Ukraine?

Unlike Russia, Ukraine is becoming more democratic.

Ukraine applied to join the European Union on Monday. This suggests that the former U.S.S.R. member wants to deepen its political and economic ties with the democratic powers of Europe.

The country has also been more friendly with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, a military pact composed of the United States and its allies. Ukraine is not an official member of NATO, however.

Russia has warned for years that it would counter NATO's push toward Eastern Europe.

Putin illegally annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014. Russia still occupies this peninsula between the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov.

Russia escalated that tension late last year by sending about 100,000 troops to its border with Ukraine. That drew speculation that Russia would soon attack.

What Is America Doing?

Many countries responded to last week's invasion by imposing economic sanctions on Russia.

The U.S. condemned Russia's assault, but President Joe Biden said he won't send any troops to Ukraine. The president instead pointed to $650 million in military aid that America gave Ukraine last year.

Biden said the U.S. will defend its NATO allies in the region, however.

To see the latest news in Ukraine, check out the full story from the Associated Press.

RELATED:

• Gov. Hogan Condemns 'Barbarous' Russian Invasion Of Ukraine

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