Ukrainians living in Colorado assembled at the state Capitol today to condemn Russia and show support for their country. Many in the crowd held blue and yellow Ukrainian flags and anti-Putin signs.
Oleksandra Chub, whose entire family lives in western Ukraine, said she feels very far away from them right now.
鈥淚t鈥檚 devastating. It鈥檚 exhausting鈥� I鈥檓 just broken,鈥� Chub said.
She said came to the Capitol on this sunny, frigid Thursday afternoon because of misunderstandings about what is happening on the ground.
鈥淚t鈥檚 not a civil war. It鈥檚 not a special operation. It鈥檚 not an invasion. It鈥檚 full-scale war,鈥� Chub said.
State lawmakers inside the Capitol building held a moment of silence for Ukrainians and condemned Russia鈥檚 actions earlier this morning.
鈥淚f there鈥檚 something we could do to stop it in this chamber to stop it we would do it,鈥� Rep. Matt Gray (D) said. 鈥淲e can鈥檛, but I just think about each and every individual who is living with incredible fear and uncertainty this morning.鈥�
U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet made the following statement: 鈥淭he United States, coordinating with our allies and partners, must punish Putin immediately for his unprovoked aggression. We should impose the full weight of economic sanctions right now, explore options to bolster the Ukrainian resistance, and stand resolute in our support of democracy and the rule of law.鈥�
Andrii Panchenko, who came to live in Denver with his wife for the mountains and outdoor lifestyle, said his parents could hear fighting from their home in Kyiv, Ukraine鈥檚 capital.
鈥淚f the U.S. government doesn鈥檛 help, Putin don鈥檛 stop in Ukraine,鈥� Panchenko said. 鈥淚f you don鈥檛 want to help in Ukraine, he鈥檒l go into Poland, Germany, another country.鈥�
