Ohio residents come together to show support for Ukraine

STRONGSVILLE, Ohio — Gathering in the cold, residents came together on Saturday to reflect and pray for those in Ukraine.

“It’s pretty tough in Ukraine right now. I think everybody is aware that not only are they, you know, the battles going on at the front line. Russia is targeting infrastructure. When I call, you know, Ukraine and talk to the doctors, I mean, they could be without electricity 18 hours out of the 24 hours,” said Dr. Taras Mahlay.

Mahlay is the President of the Cleveland Maidan Association, a nonprofit humanitarian organization that has focused on providing medical aid to Ukraine since Russia invaded the country in 2022. 

Bohdan Danylo, the bishop at the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy in Parma, says the four-year anniversary is a good time to reflect. 

“On one hand, it’s a bittersweet commemoration. On the other hand, it’s also hope that Ukraine, already for four years [has withstood] the Russian invasion,” Saqid Danylo. “In the last couple of years, they were able just to move a couple of miles from the initial invasion.”

Peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia are ongoing, but this comes as Russia continues its assault on Ukraine. Recently, talks between the two countries have made no progress. 

“It’s not the land; it’s the people. Why would you give up people? I mean, you wouldn’t give up your cousin because they are on the wrong side of a border, or move that border over?” Mahlay said. 

Northeast Ohio is home to a large population of Ukrainian immigrants and their descendants. Mayor of Parma Timothy DeGetter stranded the rally. 

 “We know that there is no quit in the Ukrainian people, and we welcome you to Parma, we welcome you to Strongsville, to Northeast Ohio. I am very, very proud of the connection that Parma has with Ukraine. I have always said Ukraine is Parma, Parma is Ukraine,” DeGetter said. 

 Those in attendance urged others to focus on the ongoing war. 

 “The most important is to ask, you know, our people in Northeast Ohio to still not give up on peace. Call your representative, call your senators, call the president.” Danylo said.