UPDATE: Just moments ago, the Ukrainian American community in North Philadelphia erupted in protest against a newly proposed 28-point peace plan aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. Rallygoers, gathered outside the Ukrainian American Citizens’ Association, voiced their outrage over the plan, which they say significantly favors Russia and undermines Ukraine’s sovereignty.
The demonstration, held on November 23, 2025, drew dozens of passionate supporters waving Ukrainian flags and displaying signs with messages like “Appeasement Isn’t Peace.” Protesters condemned the plan for suggesting that Ukraine cede territory and reduce its military presence, demands that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has categorically rejected.
“Nobody in their right mind would ask a country to give up its territory, its military, its freedoms,” stated Ulana Mazurkevich, president of the Ukrainian American Citizens’ Association. The urgency of this protest reflects deep fears that a peace deal could force Ukraine into a painful compromise, jeopardizing its alliances and future security.
Co-organizer Mary Kalyna expressed her anguish, saying, “We will rebuild but it won’t be the same, and I just feel such pain and anger at how much they have taken from us over and over again.” Kalyna emphasized the human cost of territorial concessions, stating, “It’s not just dirt; there are people there.”
As the rally progressed, attendees chanted patriotic slogans and sang the Ukrainian national anthem, reiterating their firm stance against any form of appeasement to aggressors. Concerns were raised about the implications of the plan, which would reportedly shield Russian officials and soldiers from prosecution for war crimes, raising the ire of many protesters. “The rapists, the murderers, the genocidal maniacs … are all supposed to be forgiven,” lamented Ukrainian American Eugene Luciw.
The proposed plan, a product of discussions between Washington and Moscow, has not included input from Kyiv, prompting accusations of sidelining Ukrainian voices in a matter that directly affects their future. The implications of this peace proposal resonate far beyond North Philadelphia; they could reshape international relations and define the future of Ukraine in the geopolitical landscape.
As tensions remain high, experts and community leaders urge immediate dialogue to ensure Ukraine’s sovereignty is respected and upheld. The rally serves as a poignant reminder of the stakes involved in these negotiations and the emotional toll on those directly affected by the ongoing conflict.
With critical discussions ongoing, observers worldwide are watching closely to see how the situation will evolve. The Ukrainian American community’s passionate response signals a broader resistance to any peace plan perceived as unjust or detrimental to their homeland. Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
