Protesters march along Michigan Avenue to oppose Russia's war in Ukraine
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Many Chicagoans are taking part in a global movement opposing Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Protesters marched on Michigan Avenue Sunday in an event called "Together Against Putin and his War."
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The growing calls for peace were heard through the downtown streets as about 100 people marched from the Wrigley Building to the Art Institute and demanded that Putin be brought to justice, calling for the withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine and the release of all political prisoners.
"Thank you the U.S. for saving Ukraine, for helping to preserve its statehood because it's so crucial for the global democracy," organizer Lina Neklasova said. "We believe that it is in the U.S.'s long interest to oppose Putin's regime, and to support whatever's left of the civil society in Russia."
The rally comes after Russia launched a massive drone attack overnight, targeting power plants across Ukraine and killing at least five people.
READ MORE | At least 8 killed, dozens wounded in Russian strike on building in northern Ukraine, official says
President Biden, for the first time, authorized Ukraine to use long-range American weapons inside Russia, according to a senior U.S. official familiar with the decision.
However, as Biden's time in the White House nears its end in the coming months, protesters in Chicago are hoping President-elect Donald Trump will continue America's support for Ukraine's freedom.
"America has always been a beacon of freedom, and because this is in the long, strategic interest of these United States, because if Putin does not stop, who knows what he's going to hit next," organizer Igor Studenkov said.
Organizers said the rally in Chicago was not the only one. In fact, it was held in solidarity with other similar protests around the world Sunday.
Similar events were held in other cities around the world Sunday.
