Downtown Chicago demonstrators call on US to continue to support Ukraine in fight against Russia

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A group rallied in downtown Chicago Saturday afternoon in support of Ukraine to mark two years since Russia's invasion of the country.

"The war in Ukraine is still going on and its bloody and its horrible, so America can help Ukraine," said Anastasia Voronovsky with Russian Americans for Democracy in Russia.

The rally, consisting of a coalition of Russian activists and people with ties to Ukraine, started at the Wrigley building on Michigan Avenue.

Dozens of demonstrators in the group then walked to the Consulate General of Ukraine.

Those at the rally said it's important to support Ukraine and stop Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"Putin is representative of all the Russian population. He represents just a small part. Unfortunately, right now he's in power, but we need to defeat him," said Elena Kaspirovich with Voice of Russia Chicago.

They called on the U.S. to continue to provide aid to the country as lawmakers struggle to pass a $60 billion military aid bill that's blocked in the House of Representatives.

"Russia is a security threat to the world and if you don't stop Putin in Ukraine, he'll start another war in Eastern Europe and he will split NATO," said demonstrator Roman Lifalov.

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Right now, Putin's army is making some gains as Ukraine's military struggles with diminishing weapons stockpiles.

This comes as Ukrainian President Zelenskyy welcomed world leaders to Kyiv Saturday morning, including the prime ministers from Belgium and Canada, and the European Commission president.

People rallied across Europe also rallied Saturday in support of Ukraine, including in London, Berlin, and Stockholm.

Supporters at Chicago's rally said they hope Europe will step up even more to help Ukraine hold on until more aid from the U.S. arrives.