UPDATE: A significant protest erupted outside a Ukrainian American club in North Philadelphia as community members vehemently rejected a controversial peace plan aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. The rally, held on November 23, 2025, drew attention to the perceived capitulation to Russia amidst ongoing conflict.
Demonstrators, brandishing Ukrainian flags and signs proclaiming “Appeasement Isn’t Peace,” condemned the 28-point peace plan crafted by Washington and Moscow. They labeled the proposal as a “copy-and-paste” of Moscow’s demands, which include calls for Ukraine to surrender territory and abandon its aspirations for NATO membership—conditions that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has previously rejected.
Ulana Mazurkevich, president of the Ukrainian American Citizens’ Association, addressed the crowd, stating, “Nobody in their right mind would ask a country to give up its territory, its military, its freedoms.” The rally encapsulated the deep-seated frustration and anger within the Ukrainian American community, emphasizing the emotional and cultural stakes involved.
Among the attendees, co-organizer Mary Kalyna expressed her distress, stating, “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.” Kalyna’s comments resonated with many, highlighting the human impact of the ongoing conflict and the risks of the proposed peace terms.
The rally featured renditions of the Ukrainian national anthem and salutes of “Glory to Ukraine,” as protesters voiced their concerns that the plan would not only weaken Ukraine but also shield Russian officials and military personnel from prosecution for war crimes. “The rapists, the murderers, the genocidal maniacs … are all supposed to be forgiven — absolutely no prosecutions,” said Eugene Luciw, a Ukrainian American, reflecting the widespread sentiment among the crowd.
As tensions rise and the peace plan faces backlash, the fate of Ukraine hangs in the balance. Protesters are calling for greater international support and a commitment to uphold Ukrainian sovereignty, urging officials to reconsider any compromises that could lead to further aggression from Russia.
This urgent rally underscores the complexities of international diplomacy and its profound implications for the lives of those impacted by the war. With the stakes higher than ever, the Ukrainian American community remains resolute in its opposition to the proposed peace framework, demanding respect for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and long-term security.
As the situation develops, all eyes will be on how U.S. and European officials respond to the outcry, as the ramifications of this peace plan continue to unfold. The Ukrainian American community and supporters are mobilizing to ensure their voices are heard in this critical moment.
