ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Protesters gathered on the steps of the Federal Building in Ann Arbor on Tuesday in response to President Trump’s decision to stop military aid to Ukraine.
“I grew up American, but Ukraine has always been in my heart,” Barbra Melnik said.
Melnik was one of a few dozen protesters taking a stand against the Trump administration’s decision.
“We have to voice our objections to what our government is doing right now,” Ann Nauts said.
A Ukrainian citizen, who is pursuing her doctorate degree at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, was also present.
“The war is the reason I cannot peacefully come back (to Ukraine),” Hanna Onyshchenko said.
Onyshchenko described what life is like in Ukraine right now.
“Last time I visited I was running from the bombs,” Onyshchenko said. “Every day, there were missiles, and I would wake up and thank God for being alive.”
There was also a Russian native among the protesters.
“I carry an extra burden of guilt for both my countries now,” Liza Levina said. “I’ve lived my entire adult life in the United States.”
The protest ended with a note of solidarity when singing the Ukrainian national anthem.
Michigan U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin delivered the Democratic response to President Trump’s recent address.
Slotkin, known for her moderate stance and focus on bipartisan solutions, offered a contrasting perspective on the president’s remarks.