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Lisa's avatar

One thing that amazed me was the age of a lot of the protesters. They were in their 60s, 70s and 80s. They remember a government who so mismanaged a war (Vietnam). The people rose up and the government heard. We’re doing it again. We’re with you!

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Viktor Kravchuk's avatar

That's absolutely amazing, dear Lisa. Thanks for mentioning it. These are people who saw so many things in life, who know exactly what war means, what it’s like to live under siege... people who have lived long enough to be contemporaries of so many atrocities, horrors, genocides. People who know exactly the horror of conflict, even without living directly in a warzone. This is something far beyond my understanding, even considering my own situation, and it feels really nice that our most experienced citizens are not staying quiet about what we're living through! 💙💛🇺🇸

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Michael Fox's avatar

I was one of those 70 somethings rallying in the courthouse square of our small, extremely conservative, town in Arizona. I met a woman who has relatives in Ukraine. She was overwhelmed by all the support shown for our friends & allies in Ukraine. Never feel alone or abandoned by the people of America. We are just getting started with our resistance demonstrations. Our turnout in Prescott, Arizona jumped from 900 last month to over 1600 yesterday. We will never abandon Ukraine in our fight over fascism.

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Kendeth Sissy Young's avatar

I will always stand with Ukraine they are a country of Honorable people. It sickened me and my heart broke when the Ukraine civilians homes were bombed by the Putin team The cowards and liars they are hit you with your guard down. The intelligence sharing was withdrawn from Ukraine…hours later the Russian Government attacked unprovoked Ukraine again. My heart aches for Ukraine citizens. Putin never fights war fairly…

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Elizabeth's avatar

Good morning my health would not allow me to participate Saturday but I was there in heart and spirit we just need a good old-fashioned sit down and let's pray that we don't have another Kent State. This man scares me more than anything else has in the 70 years I've been here. People of Ukraine we stand with you. And we won't stop standing with you. Elbows up people.

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Natalie Alex's avatar

As a former KSU graduate, thank you for mentioning May 4, 1970. While I wasn't there then, I don't want anyone to forget what happened on that date.

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Kate Sullivan's avatar

Prescott the heart of maga, please be careful. I accidentally ended up there during a maga rally, still have ptsd. Will be at the Phoenix rally! Much love to Ukraine, you are NOT FORGOTTEN! 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦

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Ahbee's avatar

We oldies are still a force in this country! For all the reasons you have the insight to see. We ain't done yet and may be the next in Trumps sites. That makes US stronger too Viktor. Thankyou for having the insight and foresight that young folks don't seem to get here, but they'll come around too. Peace to you my friend. 💙☮🇺🇦

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LORENE JOHNSON's avatar

Also Viktor, I thank you for your words. I’ve been so ashamed of my country’s choice of Trump. But your words tell me you perceive us, citizens choosing freedom, standing with Ukraine. And I am heartened. Blessings.

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LORENE JOHNSON's avatar

Do not despair. We are with you. The politicians will fade away, fall out of favor. But words of truth and the absolute righteousness of the cause of freedom will not fade. Ever.

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Lynne Fracassi's avatar

I do believe the elders are tough and wise. And we can make a huge difference to squelch this hellish administration

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Kendeth Sissy Young's avatar

Praise the Lord! 🙏🏼Another day to see my friend Viktor posts.❤️

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Kelliann K's avatar

I’m 62 and I was with a bunch of women in their late 50s/early 60s and I was so happy to see the Ukraine flag. My cousin wants to do it again on April 19. At first, I said no, that’s the day before Easter and I want to dye eggs. After reading this, I’m going to tell her yes and I’m going to get an Ukraine flag to hold!

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Regina foucht's avatar

Love hearing from you! I read every article that shows up in my feed. You are not forgotten! And yes it’s a fight we can fight together against the puppet masters! ❤️

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Sue Stoeckel's avatar

Thank you for your beautiful and inspiring message, Viktor. Yes, all decent Americans stand with Ukraine. I teach ESL at a local college, and I have many Ukrainians in my classes each quarter. You are wonderful, generous, and courageous people. Slava Ukraini! 🇺🇦

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Lynne Fracassi's avatar

And we are with you! When I see the younger Americans fighting for their freedoms, my heart just bursts🥰

I am 62 and watched the protests in the 70’s, I admired those people and wished I could have joined them!

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Sue Stoeckel's avatar

My father, a navy veteran, passed away in 2019 just shy of his 91st birthday; he had seen and experienced a lot in his lifetime, the Great Depression, WWII, the JFK assassination, Vietnam, Watergate, and the list goes on. I grew up hearing his stories. Because he lived through so much history, he saw what DT was from the start. He warned before he passed that if he got reelected, I might as well bend over and kiss my $&ss goodbye. I’m channeling his righteous anger in these dark times. RIP Papa. 🙏🏻

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Susan Walz's avatar

This hit home with me, too. My dad was a lifelong Republican. At age 95 he was watching the presidential race in 2016 and saw right through DT. He didn't live to vote in that election, but his vote was going to be for Hillary. To him, character was worth more than party affiliation.

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Nancy's avatar

Good for him! :D

Yeah, my dad passed in 2015 at 92; he was a WWII vet in the European Theater, and he would've smelled that Nazi garbage coming from a mile away. :(

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lunafaer (she/they)'s avatar

💔

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Kathy Leveille's avatar

I'm sorry for your loss. God willing, we overcome this period in our nation's history!

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Maggie's avatar

I’m one of those boomers who marched to get rid of Nixon and stop the Vietnam war and now we have to do it all over again. The government spilled the blood of some young college students before it was over, but it only strengthened our resolve. Listening to the protest songs of that era yesterday while they marched brought so much back. Now, like then, we will change this. Evil cannot stand.

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Sherry Gerbi's avatar

Oh Viktor, I needed to see this post. I had an argument with my daughter a couple of days ago because she doesn’t understand why I am so absorbed in politics. I’ve stayed in my bedroom all day watching YouTube, reading & posting on Facebook & SubStack while trying to give her space. I feel so much better & heartened by what you have written. I wasn’t able to participate in the marches yesterday but you are encouraging me to keep speaking up hoping that someone will hear me. In fact I’m going to cross-post this to Facebook and maybe some day my daughter will be able to hear me. I have such admiration for President Zelenskyy & for your countrymen as they continue to fight for democracy. I love you dear Viktor (don’t worry, I’m 77). Slava Ukraini. 🇺🇦💙💛🇺🇦

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Kathy Leveille's avatar

Sherry, I absolutely understand what you're saying! My kids don't understand my involvement either. On a daily basis, I am appalled at what is happening in the US. I never, in my wildest dreams, thought that we would be here?! I will continue to fight for our democracy, and pray that we will beat this fascist regime!

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Nancy's avatar

Considering he just had his 38th birthday not long ago, you can honestly say you love him like a son! :)

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Dorothy's avatar

Our hearts are with Ukraine 🇺🇦 yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

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Natalie Alex's avatar

Yes, yes, yes, yes and yesssss.

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Gina-Marie Cheeseman's avatar

I told my 76 year old mother her generation would show up, not only in protests but action. The rest of us stand with them and learn about protesting.

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ZiZi's avatar
Apr 7Edited

Viktor, my friend, my neighbor. Appalled and embarrassed, as a wave sent from DC across our country when President Zelenskyy was verbally attacked in the WH. This is us honoring him and all Ukraines, living, breathing and those whose lives were so brutally taken. We have always supported you. Now we have the avenue and recorded history for you to see it! For the world to see it! Most of those you see marching, never voted for our tyrant… I didn’t. Some you see, did, and they now see that they were lied to. Our government might stand with Putin and other dictators, while shunning our allies, but the majority of Americans DON’T, Never!

I was unable to march on Saturday, but still supported those who could. The next march, I will drag my wheelchair out and join them. I know that any of them will push me so that I can join them. They won’t let me struggle, or be alone. I read what you wrote and cried through it all. Someone sees us, too!!! We aren’t alone. I see and read more and more of those around the world who see us. And like you, my friend, I don’t feel hopeless or alone anymore! God bless you! I hope to meet and give you a gentle hug someday. It would be my honor!

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Teri Gelini's avatar

I am one of the ones in my 70's that remember the 60's when I was in high school and when I graduated in 1969. Peaceful protests must continue until things change.

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Sharon Carol Shannon's avatar

72 here

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Stop the BS247's avatar

I saw many of my generation in the photos. When I sit and wonder how 100 year olds made to such an admirable age, I'm reminded, of a page in my great grandmother's writings "We have given 2 of our youngest to relatives, we may never see them again. The two oldest, 16 &18 left to fight in the war. We may never see them again. The 6 will help paw work the farm so we can feed the many who cannot feed themselves." They made it with Strength, Courage, Friendships and Family. We have to keep fighting.

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Natalie Alex's avatar

What I've seen is a nice combo of many retired folks along with the youngest two voting generations. The numbers are growing for all ages though, everywhere. Americans are slow because we've been spoiled.....One heck of a wake up call is happening now. And I for one, am so very proud of Ukrainians. They are some of my role models.

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Kendeth Sissy Young's avatar

I would love to walk in the protest for American people who want peace and stability in our lives

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Diana Sparacino's avatar

yes, (we) oldsters galone, but also (and in my opinion) finally, the moment so vital, Gen Xers rising to the moment.

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Lisa Porthouse's avatar

There is much disinformation out there, Viktor. Do not believe it. Hold fast to the truths you keep in your heart. The people of America support freedom for your country, and oppose the tyranny being thrust toward you. 🙏 Praying for the people of Ukraine.

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Viktor Kravchuk's avatar

Thank you so much dear Lisa, I will never believe anymore on anything that questions the support of American people. The thing was that the poll was shared by a report from "The Economist" magazine, and I thought they were serious enough to be worth out attention, but anyway... the debate is always valid, even when they are motivated by something or some poll that is not so reliable! 💙💛🇺🇸

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Mona Furca's avatar

It's just a reflection of the mess America is in. The demons we all have to fight, be it in USA or România, but so much more in Ukraine! Thank you all for your fight!

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Denise Nelson's avatar

We’re here fighting for Ukraine and a more decent and kind US.

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Kate's avatar

Good morning Viktor, God Speed to all on this day, June 14, 2025.

Thanks for message of strength and solidarity. Yes that is what it feels like to me.

How strange that we, so far away, across this great planet, fight this same war; separately yet together in solidarity.

Thank you, for today we need the strength of your hands in ours, strengthening us as we go.

Slava Ukraini 🇺🇦🌻🇺🇸

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Joyce Mason's avatar

"Fight like a Ukrainian" was one of my favorite posters that I saw at the DC protest! We love Ukraine.

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Viktor Kravchuk's avatar

It really took my heart in a particular way, and I remember once that we were several Ukrainians talking about these flags and agreeing not only how honored we were with these flags, but how motivating they are, as the concept of Ukraine was not only about a country but about an idea, a spirit of humanity that goes beyond borders. Love you too Joyce. 💙💛🇺🇸🇺🇦

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Ahbee's avatar

Our flags are our identity. Given the state of things I feel the Ukranian & Canadian flags carry more integrity & courage than the American flag I fly at home. Sad but true. I still love my country although I'm not very proud of it at this mon ment in history. I have an 8ft peace sign on the front of my home that has an American & Ukrainian flag inside it. I'll be putting the Canadian flag on it instead of the stars & stripes because I feel my government has let Ukraine down.

Be Proud of the blue and yellow Viktor wave it proudly. I will wave it for you at the next Hands Off and all of them till you are Free of this outrage. The real Americans ARE with you. Slava Ukraine! ☮🇺🇦💙🇨🇦☮

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Dawn Mosteller's avatar

This American stands with Ukraine and against Putin and against Trump!

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Viktor Kravchuk's avatar

Thank you very much dear Dawn, this Ukrainian likewise stands firmly against Trump, against Musk, and against everything that represents injustice and inequality in America and everywhere! 💙💛🇺🇸

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Nancy's avatar

Thank you for your standing with us! :D

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Robot Bender's avatar

👊 ✊️

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Veronica Monet's avatar

You brought tears to my eyes, Viktor. Yesterday we brought our anger to the streets but we also brought our love - love of freedom, justice, democracy, equality, humanity, respect, and of the truth. Your words land as truth. I saw the flags too, yesterday. And there is NO separation between freedom loving peoples. I feel your hand holding ours as we hold yours. Our love for what is right in this moral moment, as Senator Cory Booker, termed it, will always trump hate and fear. Slava Ukraine.

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Lisa Fenger's avatar

I have friends in Ukraine who I met because of the war. I was texting them photos of Ukrainian flags and signs as soon as I spotted them in the NYC march. And my message to them was the same: your fight is our fight.

Don’t believe what the media in the US says. They are trying to diminish us and you as well. But that’s not what the people, who my friend in Kyiv calls True Americans, are feeling or doing. True Americans are not bored and have not forgotten. It’s just harder for them to get information about Ukraine than it was in 2022. Your words help keep your reality alive for us here.

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Sara's avatar
Apr 6Edited

My sister and I were in DC wearing our I Stand with Ukraine shirts. And I told everyone who stopped us to share support for Ukraine about your column.

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Viktor Kravchuk's avatar

Dear Sara, if you don't get an honorary citizenship of Ukraine, I promise I will receive you personally with honors of head of State and red carpet at Boryspil Airport (Kyiv) when you concede to us the honor of your visit! 💙💛🇺🇸🇺🇦

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Sara's avatar
Apr 6Edited

Wow. How wonderful to converse. 🤩

And I am a volunteer English tutor to 2 women living in Kyiv. Seeing the war every week through our conversations has been life-changing. Www.enginprogram.org in case you know others who want to learn English or if any readers want to volunteer.

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BETH HAHN's avatar

Thank you for this link, Sara. I am going to check this out! Former ESL teacher here.

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Dan Nyberg's avatar

What absolutely beautiful and inspiring words Viktor. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

Here is a video I made of the demonstration at the St. Paul Capital in Minnesota yesterday. You will find another flag to add to your collection. Slava Ukraini: https://dnyberg.substack.com/p/hands-off-leggo-our-country

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Viktor Kravchuk's avatar

Dear Dan, I can't really find the words to express what's inside my heart with your video and your message. And let me tell you that someday, when I finally turn my dream of visiting the United States as a reality, I will do everything I can to include a visit to the state of Minnesota because of so many wonderful people like you who share messages here and manifest their support for Ukraine. 💙💛🇺🇸🇺🇦

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Dan Nyberg's avatar

Thank you so much for that Viktor. I hope you do visit here. You will need to be careful though if the our current regime is still in power. I never in my life thought I would need to warn others about my America. If and when you do, you have a place to stay. My wife and I live close to the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Did I mention we both love to cook and you will be well fed?!

We will welcome you with open arms.

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W L Harpet's avatar

Minnesota nice and Midwest hospitality. We see you up there!

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Sara's avatar

I'm sure you'll have many people who would want to host you, including me! (in Maryland, outside DC)

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Donna_H's avatar

I see these videos, and I cry with joy, with relief that I'm not alone in my belief that the people of the United States are better, more honorable, than our leaders. Thank you, Viktor, for your courage and your uplifting words. Thank you, Dan, for sharing your video. Thank you both for standing strong.

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Oaktown's avatar

Thank you for this; I'm still crying from Viktor's beautiful post and videos like this. Tears of joy and gratitude. True Americans know the bounties of democracy, free trade, love, freedom of speech, religion, and thought.

I watched videos from Ukrainians on YouTube in the weeks following Putin's invasion. I remember seeing a Ukrainian farmer towing a Russian tank; he was laughing and amused at what he had pulled off, as was I. I also remember a soldier recounting how captured Russian soldiers were amazed at the prosperity they found in Ukraine as opposed to their lives in Russia. That's what democracy brings: prosperity for the people, innovation (like Ukraine's innovative drones), checks on power, and most important of all, Trust.

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Cecelia Voss's avatar

That was a great video. I went to the rally in NC. It was much smaller (small city), but I loved every minute of it. Thanks for sharing!

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Sarah Blair's avatar

Beautifully written from your hearts to ours. We are walking with you and will continue though your rebuilding!🌼💙💛

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Viktor Kravchuk's avatar

Thank you dear Sarah! I'm absolutely sure that the American hearts will never be off from Ukraine, even though the protests were called "Hands Off!". Hands Off, Hearts On! 💙💛🇺🇸🇺🇦

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Sarah Blair's avatar

Yes! Hearts on fire! There were many connections made, plans for what we can do next. Hearts filled with Love were/are standing for what is right…and standing for those that need our voices to join theirs.

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Marlene's avatar

Truth and Morals are Powerful Together 💙💛

Written perfect Victor

Love to you and your family, the people of Ukraine

Be safe always 🙏🇺🇦

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Viktor Kravchuk's avatar

Thank you dear Marlene! Besides love, truth and morals, let me say that it warms my heart to hear your compliment about my writing, because this time I really thought I wrote too much and made it quite tiresome to read. All my love to you too. 💙💛🇺🇸

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Cate T's avatar

No not at all. Far from tiresome, it brought me to tears again and again.

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Linda Marten's avatar

Me too! Viktor’s words were very moving & heartfelt. His words brought tears.

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Linda Gallicchio's avatar

It was perfect Viktor

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Nancy's avatar

Absolutely! :D

If you write what's in your heart, and your heart overflows, there's no such thing as "too much." :)

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HarrisWalz FTW 2024's avatar

I am so happy to hear that you were able to see the protests taking place here in the United States. I have been one of those who have said to you, "it's the (alleged) leaders, not the people as a whole, who are against Ukraine" but that's an easy thing for anyone to type. I'm thrilled that you got to see with your own eyes that we have not forgotten you. This reminds me to call my Senators again tomorrow. Luckily, with some movement of voting boundaries, our man in the House of Representatives is on the right side of things, but I should probably call him, too.

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Viktor Kravchuk's avatar

Absolutely, friend, you know, our societies will never be a homogeneous body of people. There will always be those who stand for bad values, defend bad people, live by greed and vanity. I tell you that Ukraine is not an exception either and far from that... but what we are doing here, you the American people with the Hands Off protests, and we in Ukraine in our resistance, we are showing each other our values as a nation, and they are much bigger and stronger than the ones who will always be on the margins (although they can make some noise as we see) 🇺🇸🇺🇦

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SLMontgo's avatar

Viktor, your heartfelt words are never clumsy. You are a poet.

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Viktor Kravchuk's avatar

That's so kind of you, dear friend. There's so much to improve here, but I credit everything to my love for this nation, and my excitement for knowing these words are reaching so many wonderful people like you. 💙💛

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Oaktown's avatar

You will win. Slava Ukraini!!! Our news media is compromised as so many wealthy law firms and corporations are. I'm quite sure the majority of Americans support Ukraine and are furious with our Cheeto Face traitor. Putin will fall; don't ever give up and don't make any deals with the devil (Cheeto Face). Your resources are for Ukraine and you owe us nothing but the hand of enduring friendship.

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Linda Gallicchio's avatar

So true!

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Barbara Hawkins's avatar

I am 76 and I participated in the protest in my town. It was raining the whole time but 600 to 700 protestors were there with signs and slogans and flags and YES, Ukrainian flags! part of our program was dedicated to Ukraine. Victor, you're right,we are all in this terrible war against Putin and Trump and Elon Musk and JD Vance. They are all evil and there are even Nazis in Trump's cabinet. It's awful and we are all joined in battle together. I am old and my fight is for you, your family, and all the young people. My fight is not for myself as my life is nearly done. I fight for all the children who deserve a good, healthy, and stable democracy. 💜

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Sara's avatar

Hang in there, Barbara! You're not done!

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Ingrid's avatar

One of the people at the Hands Off protest I was part of had a "We stand with Ukraine" poster with your flag on it. When he introduced himself at the microphone before playing a song for us, we told us his grandfather came from Ukraine. I also have recently worked with a fellow nurse who came from Ukraine, and now lives here in Maine. The fact that unless one is Native American, at some point one's family came here from somewhere else has been one of the things that has made America the great nation that it has been. Immigration means that we are a nation of the world, and it's a shame that a lot of our current political figures (to whom this also applies, including Trump!) do not appreciate and honor that fact.

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Sage’s Mom's avatar

My Husband is a Vietnam era vet. He came home to jeers in spite of the fact he served honorably. He turns 74 this summer. We both send you our best. The Ukrainian people are strong. America is learning to fight again. It’s better holding hands and taking lessons from Ukraine’s strength.

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Sara's avatar

While at the DC rally, I ran into many Vietnam vets at the WWII Memorial. They all gave a thumbs up at my Ukraine shirt.

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Susan Sullivan's avatar

I agree with everything you say

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Viktor Kravchuk's avatar

Thank you dear Susan. And I take that as a compliment because I think I write too much and made this too long, but sometimes we just need to let the words flow, don't you think? 💙💛

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Susan Sullivan's avatar

I simply despair with what is going on in so called ceasefire! It is appalling. A sovereign Country was invaded, yet the negotiations seem to be totally one sided. Something has gone catastrophically wrong.

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Robot Bender's avatar

No, Viktor, it's not too long. We're very willing to read what you have to say. Please, keep on! 🇺🇦

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Donna Dupont's avatar

Absolutely! We love your words so don’t cut us short 😉✊

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Nancy's avatar

The more, the merrier! :D

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Brian Rosen's avatar

I agree with you

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