CHICAGO (WLS) — Protesters gathered in downtown Chicago on Monday evening, calling on the Trump administration to continue supporting Ukraine as Russian airstrikes intensified and concerns grew about the war’s impact on civilians.
The demonstration took place outside the Wrigley Building, where participants stood in silence while expressing concern for family members and loved ones still living in Ukraine.
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Protesters said they have been receiving disturbing updates from relatives as attacks continue.
“It would cost the American people nothing, nothing, except maybe some political capital to let Ukraine defend itself,” said Chicago resident Julian Hayen. “It would not cost American people anything to share intelligence with Ukraine so they can intercept missiles.”
Demonstrators pointed to reports that Russian airstrikes have escalated over the past week, including reports that a 1-year-old child was killed at a playground, prompting international outrage.
“It’s exhausting for everybody,” said Chicago resident Andrew Benson. “It’s exhausting for us protesters, but we need to get the message out and be able to get as much support as necessary.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine received no warning about missiles launched from Russia that day. According to Zelenskyy, energy facilities were among the primary targets, though civilian buildings also were struck.
The latest attacks come amid concerns in Ukraine about possible wavering U.S. support, including reports of limited intelligence sharing and questions surrounding access to Starlink and Starshield technology, which are key to Ukraine’s satellite efforts.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio denied reports that the technology had been restricted.
“There’s been no pause from the United States, but again, what he should be focused on, and what we want to be focused on, is bringing an end to this war,” Rubio said.
Some protesters with family members still in Ukraine said they believe the Trump administration has left the country to defend itself.
“U.S. has always been on the side of freedom and independence,” said Zoryana Smozhanyka, a U.S. Army veteran. “We have fought for our independence here in the U.S. and I as an American veteran can attest to that. It’s absolutely insane to me that we are now fighting on the side of Russia.”
President Donald Trump rejected that characterization, saying the United States has already provided significant support to Ukraine.
“Russia, frankly, has been fine on Ukraine, they haven’t been doing much,” Trump told reporters on the White House South Lawn on Monday. He added, “We’ve given a lot to Ukraine, they’ve given us nothing.”
Reports emerged Monday of a possible meeting in the coming days aimed at ending the war between Russia and Ukraine. However, it appeared that Ukraine would not be invited to participate in those talks.
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