D.C. Rally Commemorates Fourth Anniversary of Russia's Full-Scale Invasion of Ukraine

The event opened with a prayer by Fr. Robert Hitchens, pastor of the National Shrine of the Holy Family, who drew a connection between Ukraine's struggle and the upcoming 250th anniversary of American independence. "250 years later, as heirs of this hard-won liberty, we gather before this memorial dedicated to the freedom of all peoples," he said. Praying for Ukraine, Fr. Hitchens called on God to deliver "the people of Ukraine from the assaults and threats of an evil overlord, bent on the destruction of their society, culture, language, history, and their very lives." He also urged sustained international support, asking that "this great nation continue to support the people of Ukraine with economic security and the necessary power and might to defend their nation and determine their own destiny."

Priests from Washington, Baltimore, and Philadelphia took part in the rally.

Among the speakers was Denys Sienik, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Ukraine in the United States, who stressed that Ukraine seeks a "credible, lasting, and just" peace backed by firm security guarantees.

Jovita Neliupšienė, the European Union Ambassador to the United States, addressed the crowd as well, reaffirming Europe's solidarity with Ukraine. Pastor Mark Burns, a prominent spiritual adviser to President Donald Trump, challenged how Russia's leadership could justify strikes on civilians and houses of worship while claiming to defend Christian values.

One of the most moving addresses came from Andriy Smolensky, a wounded Ukrainian serviceman who spoke about prisoners of war and the human toll of the ongoing conflict.

After the rally, participants marched to the residence of the Russian ambassador, where they called for stronger sanctions against the Kremlin, the delivery of modern weapons to Ukraine, and Russia's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism.