OP-ED: IN SEARCH OF SILVER LININGS
In the past month, we have seen a sudden and treacherous shift in US foreign policy interests away from our Ukrainian allies. Ukraine has been blamed for starting the war, though it is their homeland that is being invaded and their children whom the russian invaders routinely abduct. Unilateral “peace” talks were held with the enemy without Ukrainian representatives in attendance. Military aid and intelligence were temporarily rescinded to leverage Ukraine into a deal that offers no long-term security guarantees. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been called a dictator, though he was democratically elected and legally remains in office in direct accordance with the Ukrainian constitution. Finally, in a stunning display of contempt for Ukraine, President Zelenskyy was mocked on live national television for not wearing a suit at the Oval Office. He instead wore an informal ensemble meant to show solidarity with the Defenders in his homeland who are defending their country from the revanchist whims of a dictator.
To many of us, these actions are a permanent stain on our nation’s history. However, in the wake of these developments, a silver lining has emerged. A groundswell of pro-Ukrainian support has erupted, not just across the country, but across the world. On February 24, 2025, the third anniversary of the war, more than 1,100 events were organized across the globe. Supporters in the US, France, Panama, Jordan, Taiwan, Kazakhstan, and dozens of other countries united to show solidarity with Ukraine.
Locally, a rally was held at the Colorado State Capitol building, organized by our friends at Ukrainians of Colorado. Hundreds united to wave blue and yellow flags and placards offering support for Ukraine. We must not underestimate the importance of such acts of resistance. In a democratic society such as ours, peaceful protests are one of the best tools we have to shape the world we want to live in.
Though it is easy to be swept away in the maelstrom of hopelessness that comes with each daily news cycle, we must not lose faith in our ability to resist the storm whittling away at our most fundamental values. History is full of dark times and the brave people who helped light the way to a better future. Together we are strong. The actions we take today will determine what world our children live in tomorrow.
With the current administration abdicating responsibility for maintaining a peaceful world order, the onus is now ours to champion these values. We hope you’ll join us in standing up to tyranny and in rallying to support freedom, democracy, and a world order built on respect for these principles and human dignity.
-Kyle Wilkerson
