Chicago Ukraine protests: Truck caravan, archdiocese, Pritzker and Lightfoot seek to show solidarity
Chicago truck protest in support of Ukraine had over 100 vehicles participating
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Hundreds of people filled the streets, covering an entire city block in Ukrainian Village, to show support for Ukraine.
Gov. JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot were among those gathered Sunday. They stood alongside Ukrainian Americans, calling for an end to Russia's invasion.
"Slovo Craney and screw Vladimir Putin," Pritzker said. "Today, we stand for democracy and today we stand united for peace and freedom for Ukraine. To the heroes of Ukraine, Illinois is with you."
WATCH: Gov. JB Pritzker speaks at rally to support Ukraine
He joined congressmen and people from all across the city outside St. Volodymyr and Olha Ukrainian Catholic Church.
"We resist oppression. We resist tyranny," said Congressman Danny Davis.
They called for urgent sanctions against Russia.
SEE MORE: Russians enter Ukraine's 2nd-largest city, Kharkiv, advance on ports
"I may be of Indian origin but today we are all Ukrainians," said Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi.
Those with family overseas urged America to send arms and support to Ukraine.
"We still have a lot of family in Ukraine and this invasion of a sovereign stay in Europe a civilized nation is just horrendous. And Putin is our 21st-century Hitler. He's a madman and he must be stopped," said Anna Powers.
Demonstrators called for action over words.
"What we need is action. What we need is physical support and not just world leaders who can sit and watch mass destruction from the comfort and safety of their living room, tweet thoughts and prayers for Ukraine, and then change the channel," said a woman named Tanya.
Elected officials focused their attention on Russian President Vladimir Putin.
"Hope and prayers are essential. But when you're dealing with Putin, hope prayers and a javelin missile are even better," said Congressman Mike Quigley.
Lightfoot recognized Ukraine as one of Chicago's oldest immigrant communities and as part of the fabric of Chicago. She called on the United States to open its borders to any fleeing Ukrainians.
WATCH: Mayor Lori Lightfoot speaks at rally to support Ukraine
"It's Ukraine today, but it will be another democratic freedom loving country tomorrow. We must stop him in his tracks and it begins right here and now with Ukraine," Lightfoot said.
"Always, you have to do something. If you want to do something then you have to do something," said Stepan Nozhak, who was one of the organizers to pull together a car caravan protest Saturday.
Ukrainians living in Chicago united on Saturday to show solidarity with their native country with a truck and a car caravan more than 100 vehicles long.
Organized in less than 24 hours using social media, the caravan of semi-trucks, most draped in the blue and yellow Ukrainian flags, started in suburban East Dundee and ended at Chicago's Buckingham Fountain downtown.
Anna Mariya Skakodub's parents and sibling still live in the western part of Ukraine.
"I still hope that every time I call them I will still get a message that they are still alive," she said. "They are still okay and my country is still safe."
Signs were also posted across Ukrainian Village. People are begging the U.S. and other foreign powers to do more to stop this war.
Earlier Sunday, Cardinal Blase Cupich joined St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral for Divine Liturgy. They prayed for peace and an end to the war. All parishes, schools and worship sites in the archdiocese were asked to ring their bells in solidarity with the people of Ukraine at noon.
"It is our moment in the history of our world to say stop, no more. We want a different world for our children. That is what this moment is all about," Cupich said.
Demonstrators said they want strict sanctions that will affect Russian banks, trading and government officials. They called on leaders to immediately close the sky to Russian air strikes and protect the Ukrainian people.
