UPDATE: A significant rally unfolded in Philadelphia’s Ukrainian American community on November 23, 2025, as demonstrators vehemently opposed a newly proposed 28-point peace plan aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. The plan, crafted by officials in Washington and Moscow, has been labeled as a capitulation to Russia‘s demands, igniting outrage among attendees.
Protesters gathered outside the Ukrainian American Citizens’ Association, brandishing Ukrainian flags and signs reading, “Appeasement Isn’t Peace.” The crowd, which included many Ukrainian Americans, condemned the plan as a “copy-and-paste” of Russian demands—essentially requiring Ukraine to cede territory, reduce its military capabilities, and abandon its aspirations for NATO membership. Such stipulations have been categorically rejected by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the past.
Ulana Mazurkevich, president of the local Ukrainian American organization, expressed her disbelief over the idea of asking a nation to relinquish its territory and military strength. “Nobody in their right mind would ask a country to give up its territory, its military, its freedoms,” she stated. The rally’s co-organizer, Mary Kalyna, added an emotional plea, “We will rebuild but it won’t be the same. It’s not just dirt; there are people there.”
The proposed peace plan has raised alarm over the potential for it to undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty. Critics argue that it would not only weaken Ukraine, already devastated by war, but also allow Russian officials and soldiers to escape prosecution for war crimes. “The rapists, the murderers, the genocidal maniacs… are all supposed to be forgiven—absolutely no prosecutions,” declared Eugene Luciw, a Ukrainian American protester.
As the rally intensified, demonstrators sang the Ukrainian national anthem and shouted “Glory to Ukraine,” reinforcing their commitment to resist any agreement that compromises their nation’s integrity. The peace proposal has sparked fierce debates and concerns about the implications for international law and America’s role as an ally.
With tensions running high, the rally serves as a powerful reminder of the human stakes involved in diplomatic negotiations. Community members are urging officials to reconsider the plan’s terms, emphasizing the need for a resolution that respects Ukraine’s sovereignty and security.
As this situation evolves, observers are closely watching how U.S. and Ukrainian officials will respond to the widespread dissent and whether they will engage in further discussions to address the concerns raised by the Ukrainian American community. The urgency of the matter cannot be overstated. The voice of the people is clear: they demand justice, respect, and a genuine pursuit of peace that does not come at the cost of their homeland.
