“We are against war”: Russians in Atlanta show solidarity with Ukraine
Individuals have taken to the streets world wide to protest Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which has now been ongoing for almost three weeks. In Atlanta, some Russians are additionally working to indicate solidarity with Ukraine, collaborating in protests and talking out towards the struggle. In late February, Julia Krotova — who mentioned she's a former …
Individuals have taken to the streets world wide to protest Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which has now been ongoing for almost three weeks. In Atlanta, some Russians are additionally working to indicate solidarity with Ukraine, collaborating in protests and talking out towards the struggle.
In late February, Julia Krotova — who mentioned she’s a former human rights lawyer in Russia and present political asylee — helped arrange a protest in Atlanta’s Centennial Olympic Park. She mentioned the principally Russian crowd waved blue and yellow flags in solidarity.
A Russian-led demonstration in assist of Ukraine close to Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta, Georgia on February 27, 2022.
Courtesy of Julia Krotova
Krotova informed CBS Information that like many, she hopes for an “finish to the struggle towards Ukraine.”
“I really feel ache. I cry loads proper now,” Krotova mentioned. “At this second, the individuals of Ukraine are defending their freedom and nation, at the price of their lives.”
Krotova mentioned she’s additionally participated in a motion to collect humanitarian assist for Ukrainians. That group, “Atlanta with Ukraine,” mentioned on its web site that it has collected almost 20 tons of important items like garments and non-perishable meals.
Julia Krotova stands with household and fellow volunteers after loading a cargo truck with important items to assist individuals in Ukraine on Friday, March 11, 2022.
Courtesy of Julia Krotova
The web site mentioned vehicles will now take the help to a port in Savannah, Georgia, the place it will likely be shipped to Klaipeda, Lithuania en path to Lviv, Ukraine. A humanitarian fund will then be chargeable for distributing the help all through Ukraine, in line with the web site.
Russia’s invasion has brought about greater than two million Ukrainians to flee their houses — and a few Russians are unaware of what’s actually taking place because of the nation’s crackdown on reporting. Atlanta-based Marina Kremyanskaya, who migrated from Russia to America greater than 30 years in the past, mentioned she believes propaganda has misled individuals she is aware of within the nation.
“Every single day these individuals obtain improper data,” Kremyanskaya informed CBS Information. “And it is very laborious to vary their minds.”
Kremyanskaya says she is “proud” of those that have proven assist for Ukrainians world wide, however can also be unhappy for Russians who don’t agree with the struggle.
“Putin is out of actuality,” Kremyanskaya mentioned. “And I am actually sorry for the Russian individuals who will expertise such unhealthy sanctions. I am sorry for each international locations.”
Tre’Vaughn Howard
Tre’Vaughn Howard is a digital affiliate producer and author for CBS Information, specializing in worldwide and tradition tales.