Austinites rally in support of Ukraine (photo by Angelina Liu)
Protesters wrapped in bright blue and yellow flags and holding signs gathered in front of the Texas state Capitol in 30-degree weather on Feb. 22 at 11am for a rally in support of Ukraine. The demonstration marked the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022.
“Trump’s now saying that Ukraine doesn’t deserve to be on the negotiating table,” said Nancy Koch, an Austinite who came to the protest carrying a sign. “That was so appalling. How do you stay at home when shit like that happens?”
After an appearance at a pro-public-schools rally earlier, U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Austin, arrived an hour into the Ukraine rally, sharing his distaste for current leadership in both the United States and Russia as well as taking photos and visiting with protesters.
“I believe that what is at stake here is not only freedom for Ukraine but freedom for the world,” Doggett said. “I have been amazed at those who said during the negotiations that each side had to give up something. Ukraine has given up one life after another. Frankly, we have a wannabe tyrant here and a tyrant in Moscow.”
“Frankly, we have a wannabe tyrant here and a tyrant in Moscow.” – U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Austin
Doug Flores, an Austin-based chef, traveled to Ukraine with World Central Kitchen to aid recovery efforts after the war began. Between jobs in North Carolina, he saw news of the invasion and felt compelled to help. He spent seven weeks in Ukraine, volunteering to feed women and children arriving on buses. He said he heard stories of Russians stealing appliances, burning down houses, and raping Ukrainian women.
“That experience changed my life,” Flores said. “It changed me in a way that I can’t even explain.”
According to Flores, fleeing women and children were housed and fed in a warehouse before being transported to another location, where they would stay until Polish families found homes for them.
Protesters of all ages lined both sides of the Capitol steps, holding signs that read, “Russia steals Ukrainian children,” “Betrayal is not an American value,” and “Ukraine’s country, Ukraine’s terms.”
“I have never been more embarrassed to be an American,” said Austin resident Russ Culbertson, holding a sign. “In view of our current president’s betrayal of our allies in Ukraine and Europe, I just can’t stand idly by and do nothing.”