In recent days, Ukrainian communities across Europe and North America have taken to the streets to protest the latest decisions by the US administration.
The main trigger was an agreement between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin to return Russian diesel to the American and global markets. To make this possible, Washington temporarily eased sanctions, giving Russia millions more to fund its war. At the same time, access to the critical Starlink communications system was restricted for Ukrainian forces.
Protesters called for the diesel deal to be canceled, Starlink to be fully restored for Ukraine’s defense, and all concessions to the aggressor to end.
The Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA) Illinois Division organized a rally in Chicago. Activists opposed energy deals that fund the Kremlin’s war against Ukraine and urged US leaders not to compromise with the aggressor.
“If you pay American taxes, you are directly funding the Russian war in Ukraine. Your money is paying for the murder of Ukrainians. Every purchase of Russian diesel directly bankrolls violence, aggression, and terror. American integrity is not for sale,” they said.
The Houston branch of the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America (UNWLA) joined a protest against agreements to import Russian diesel fuel and lift sanctions on Russia. The activists urged US leaders to stop funding Russian aggression through energy deals and maintain unwavering support for Ukraine.
The American Coalition for Ukraine is urging Americans to write to their senators and demand the immediate restoration of Starlink connectivity for Ukraine’s defense.
“The administration says it wants peace, but weakening Ukraine while offering concessions to Russia is destroying America’s leverage, not increasing it,” the organization wrote.
In Boston, the community organization Boston Supports Ukraine also expressed outrage over concessions to the Kremlin and the easing of sanctions against Russia.
In London, a rally took place outside the US Embassy. Organized by the Ukrainian-British initiative Campaign for Ukraine in partnership with other organizations, the event drew hundreds of participants, including Ukrainians, Britons, Americans, and members of other communities.
Participants called on the United States to stop buying Russian fuel, maintain sanctions against the Kremlin, and stop pressuring Ukraine to make territorial concessions. The protest even drew attention in the British Parliament, where lawmakers called for increased pressure on the Kremlin.
In Rome, a protest involving around 300 Ukrainians took place in Piazza Barberini, near the US Embassy. Participants opposed what they called a “blood-for-diesel deal” between the United States and Russia, as well as actions undermining Ukraine’s defense, including restrictions on Starlink, delays in ammunition deliveries, and disruptions in intelligence sharing.
Protesters held signs calling for an end to support for the aggressor and appealed to the American people to urge Congress to maintain its support for Ukraine.
