Vermonters gathered in Burlington and Montpelier to mark four years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, starting a war that continues to affect millions of people.Supporters held a vigil at the top of Church Street in Burlington, waving Ukrainian flags and holding signs in solidarity. Many said the anniversary is a reminder that while global attention may shift, the war and the uncertainty surrounding it remain ongoing.For Barbara Felitti of Huntington, the anniversary is deeply personal. Felitti lived and worked in Ukraine beginning in the 1990s and says the friendships she built there remain strong today.“I don’t think anyone thought it would happen,” Felitti said. “Four years later, we’d still be waiting for them to have their freedom.”Felitti says she regularly checks in with friends overseas, particularly after reports of major attacks.“If I don’t hear back right away, I get a little bit worried until I do hear from them,” she said. “But I realize they might not have power or any number of things could have happened.”Since the invasion began, supporters have gathered twice a week in Montpelier to stand in solidarity with Ukraine.At the State House, the anniversary also carries weight for state Sen. Tanya Vyhovsky, a Ukrainian American lawmaker who still has family and friends in Ukraine.“Just always wondering who wakes up the next day,” Vyhovsky said.Vyhovsky is working on a resolution that would condemn Russia’s actions and reaffirm Vermont’s support for Ukraine. She said symbolic gestures matter to those living through the war.“It is incredibly meaningful for them to know that we are standing with them,” Vyhovsky said. “I think Vermonters have been very clear.”Meanwhile, organizers say vigils and demonstrations will continue as long as the conflict continues.
Vermonters gathered in Burlington and Montpelier to mark four years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, starting a war that continues to affect millions of people.
Supporters held a vigil at the top of Church Street in Burlington, waving Ukrainian flags and holding signs in solidarity.
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Many said the anniversary is a reminder that while global attention may shift, the war and the uncertainty surrounding it remain ongoing.
For Barbara Felitti of Huntington, the anniversary is deeply personal.
Felitti lived and worked in Ukraine beginning in the 1990s and says the friendships she built there remain strong today.
“I don’t think anyone thought it would happen,” Felitti said. “Four years later, we’d still be waiting for them to have their freedom.”
Felitti says she regularly checks in with friends overseas, particularly after reports of major attacks.
“If I don’t hear back right away, I get a little bit worried until I do hear from them,” she said. “But I realize they might not have power or any number of things could have happened.”
Since the invasion began, supporters have gathered twice a week in Montpelier to stand in solidarity with Ukraine.
At the State House, the anniversary also carries weight for state Sen. Tanya Vyhovsky, a Ukrainian American lawmaker who still has family and friends in Ukraine.
“Just always wondering who wakes up the next day,” Vyhovsky said.
Vyhovsky is working on a resolution that would condemn Russia’s actions and reaffirm Vermont’s support for Ukraine. She said symbolic gestures matter to those living through the war.
“It is incredibly meaningful for them to know that we are standing with them,” Vyhovsky said. “I think Vermonters have been very clear.”
Meanwhile, organizers say vigils and demonstrations will continue as long as the conflict continues.
