Ukrainian community marks 1,000 days since Russia invaded with downtown rally, march

CHICAGO (WLS) -- It has been 1,000 days since Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and Mariya Dmytriv-Kapeniak says the grim milestone leaves her both disheartened and hopeful.

"I don't think anyone will give up their freedom at any cost," Dmytriv-Kapeniak said.

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Dmytriv-Kapeniak is the president of the Illinois division of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America. She says Ukraine's resolve to never submit to Russia is stronger than ever.

"Ukrainian people's resilience and bravery and being able to stand up to the bully, the aggressor, is still a lesson today that really amazed people and united the efforts to join the cause," Dmytriv-Kapeniak said.

The developments in the war are being watched closely in the Chicago area, where there are more than 300,000 Ukrainians in the city and suburbs.

Olena Levko-Sendeha with the SelfReliance Association has been providing assistance to many refugees.

"People are scared. People are looking for a better tomorrow, a safe tomorrow for their families," Levko-Sendeha said.

Ukraine has the green light to use U.S.-supplied long-range missiles to hit targets deep inside Russia, to which Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened nuclear retaliation.

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However, Ukraine enters the winter with question marks over continued U.S. support under the incoming Trump administration.

"I hope and pray that United States as well as the rest of the world will help Ukraine to win this war," Levko-Sendeha said.

On Tuesday evening, Chicago's Ukrainian community marked the 1,000 days, just shy of three years, with a rally and march on Michigan Avenue, starting at 7 p.m.

The event served as a reminder of Ukraine's ongoing fight for democracy.

Several hundred chanted "save Ukraine, save the world," doing their best to support their country from thousands of miles away.

"Being here in Chicago as a Ukrainian person, I want to scream that this has to get stopped. We want victory for Ukraine," Kateryna Grod said.

It is a war they did not start, but one they are determined to win.

The Ukrainian national anthem could be heard, as protesters said they're grateful for the support from the U.S. and other allies.

They also spoke of what they've lost.

Olena Ber's 36-year-brother was killed in a missile attack in June, leaving behind four young children.

"Every single day I wake up and hope it's gonna be over," Berr said.