February 24th will be a painful reminder of the horrific Russian invasion, assault and ongoing atrocities levied on Ukraine and its people by Putin and his imperialistic lust for power. Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began on February 24, 2022, at 5 a.m., when Russia launched missile attacks on many Ukrainian cities. The invasion was the largest attack on a European country since World War II. This invasion was an escalation of the Russo-Ukrainian War that actually began in 2014. The 2014 annexation of Crimea by Russia was a clear violation of international law and Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Prior to the 2022 invasion, there had been eight years of conflict in eastern Ukraine between Ukrainian government forces and Russia-backed separatists. These military atrocities against innocent civilians have been shockingly evident to the world, especially with the images coming out from Bucha, and have caused worldwide condemnation.

As members of The Ukrainian National Women’s League of America, a Ukrainian American national organization established in New York City in 1925, our mandates are to preserve and educate about our culture, our ancestral history, our national identity, and to advocate for Ukraine’s right to be a free, self-governing and democratic nation. As active community members of Dutchess and Ulster Counties, we are writing on behalf of our Hudson Valley Ukrainian diaspora.

The Ukrainians in Ukraine and we, as Ukrainian Americans, are so very thankful for the outpouring of support from around the world and especially the many-faceted aid from the United States. However, the longer this war continues, the more difficult it is to maintain Ukraine’s defenses. Ukrainian troops are now being forced to ration their ammunition on the winter frontlines as Russia presses on. Understanding that the chances of a quick replenishment of weaponry are diminishing because of other world conflicts, Russia has stepped up its efforts to inflict maximum damage to the infrastructure and citizenry of Ukraine.

Ukrainians, as former prisoners of Soviet control, deeply understand that sacrificing Ukraine to Russia, as some have suggested, will only further whet Putin’s power appetite and, with the support of his allies in the Middle East and the East, will eventually lead to a broader power grab.

We are urgently asking for the help of our fellow Americans to pressure our elected officials, through letters, emails or calls, to continue to support bipartisan agreement to approve crucial aid to Ukraine. Helping Ukraine now is not only morally required but also a matter of national security for our home, the United States.

On behalf of the members of The Ukrainian National Women’s League of America, Branch 95.