'Stop Putin': NYC Protests Russian Invasion Of Ukraine

NEW YORK CITY — As Russian shells thundered over Ukraine, a chant reverberated in New York City: "Stop Putin now."

Hundreds of New Yorkers, native Ukrainians and many more gathered Thursday in Times Square to protest Russian President Vladimir Putin's full-scale attack and invasion of Ukraine.

They draped themselves in the blue-and-yellow Ukrainian flag, held homemade signs and called for Americans to show solidarity against an assault on democracy and freedom.

Aleks Drukarov trekked from New Jersey for the rally under the bright lights of Times Square, where he felt the eyes of the world would take notice. He moved from Kyiv 25 years ago and said his close contacts in Ukraine's capital city tell him things are "fairly grim."

"This has been rough," Drukarov said. "There's no sense of panic but people are leaving."

"Putin won't stop," he said. "It's appeasement writ large."

Russia's invasion of Ukraine drew widespread condemnation by world leaders. President Joe Biden said Thursday that Russia would face "profound" sanctions for the attack, which constitutes the largest military incursion in Europe since World War II.

"It's going to be a cold day for Russia," Biden said.

Rallygoers at the Times Square rally demanded that Putin face consequences for his actions.

Many, like Drukarov, emphasized they didn't want American military intervention.

"Ukraine is not asking for American blood — it needs American donations, sanctions," he said.

But that's not to say protesters thought economic and diplomatic repercussions would be enough. Most told Patch their friends and loved ones back in Ukraine anticipate a bitter conflict.

Artur Melnyk, originally from Ukraine now living in Brooklyn, told Patch he's considering returning to serve his country and help protect the friends and loved ones he left there.

"I'm very, very upset ... I didn't sleep all this night, all this day," Melnyk said. "I'm thinking of going back to Ukraine," he added. "I'm ready to serve my country."

Some protesters originally hailed from Russia. Their thoughts were encapsulated in a handmade sign held by a woman: "I Am Russian And I Am Against War."

For Olesya Khodorkovskaya, who is from Russian and now lives in Chelsea, the invasion is a worrisome sign of what happens when democracy breaks down and a single man — Putin — can upend the entire world.

Most Russians have family in Ukraine and vice versa, she said.

"I think it is absolutely crazy what Putin is doing," she said. "I think he is a madman who is destroying both countries."

"If you don't support Ukraine now, he'll do it somewhere else."

The crowd had no love lost for Putin.

Protesters carried signs with images of Adolf Hitler and a replica of Putin with blood on his hands and sign around his neck that read, "Murderer."

The protesters marched from Times Square, where their chant echoed up the canyons of Broadway: "Stand With Ukraine."

They snaked along the edge of Central Park on their way to the Russian Permanent Mission to the United Nations at Lexington Avenue and 67th Street.

Motorists honked horns and flashed thumbs-up in support.

Valentyn Rybak, who was born in Ukraine and now lives in Connecticut, spoke loudly to be heard over the clamor. He carried a Ukrainian flag as he said it is "very important" for the United States to show "power" to Putin.

"Please support Ukraine and help Ukraine," he said. "Freedom for Ukraine is freedom for Europe and freedom for the whole world."

When the protesters reached the Russian UN mission, their cries grew louder.

"Hands off Ukraine," "Stop the war," "Putin is a killer," they chanted.

Razom for Ukraine — a pro-democracy and independence group based in the city — organized the rally.

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