CHICAGO (WLS) — The Ukrainian community in Chicago is continually seeking ways to assist their friends and family in their homeland. This ongoing effort was evident on Sunday during the yearly Ukrainian Village festival, an event that consistently unites the community.
Many of the festival attendee are hoping real peace comes from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s trip to the White House on Monday.
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President Zelenskyy will be joined by European and NATO leaders Monday as he returns to Washington, D.C., to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump.
ABC News reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed that Ukraine relinquish the Donetsk area as a condition for stopping further hostilities.
These are difficult times for all Ukrainians overall, but our mission is just to support the children.
Oksana Taratula, Ukrainian Women Association of America founder
Zelenskyy has pushed back on that, and Illinois 5th District Representative Mike Quigley says that deal may only lead to more problems.
According to Rep. Quigley, “If he gains control of this land and strikes a deal, he will take the opportunity to rearm, rejuvenate his economy, and fortify his military, only to possibly return in a year or two to complete his objectives. Our European partners understand this, as Putin’s ambitions extend beyond Ukraine.”
Ahead of Monday’s meeting, President Trump posted on social media, saying “BIG PROGRESS ON RUSSIA… STAY TUNED!”
The hope within Chicago’s Ukrainian community, as they joined together for their annual festival on Sunday, is that this scenario can be averted. Many groups are actively raising funds to support those enduring the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
“The attacks are relentless; bombs and rockets are launched at civilians daily, resulting in numerous casualties. Our goal is to provide aid in any way possible,” stated Ivan Shkudor from MEEST.
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“These are challenging times for all Ukrainians, but our primary aim is to support the children,” explained Oksana Taratula, who founded the Ukrainian Women Association of America.
Some of that optimism has dwindled after President Trump could not reach a deal with President Putin at the Alaska Summit.
Zelenskyy was not there for those negotiations as he continues to demand a ceasefire.
“Even though they’re gonna make a pause or some kind of peace negotiation it’s only for them to stop and gain more power and they’ll continue to do that,” Shkudor said.
“I’m an optimistic guy, but you haven’t seen anything in which the president has done something he has to take charge,” Rep. Quigley said.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio says both sides will need to make concessions if a peace deal is going to be reached. But President Zelenskyy says that can only happen with Ukraine at the table.
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