Brighton Beach Ukrainian community stands in solidarity in wake of Russian invasion

With Brighton Beach being home to one of the largest populations of Ukrainians outside of Europe, the Russian invasion has sent shockwaves throughout the community.

News 12 Staff

Feb 28, 2022, 3:54 AM

Updated 949 days ago

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Brighton Beach residents and elected officials gathered to pray for family members who live in Ukraine.
With Brighton Beach being home to one of the largest populations of Ukrainians outside of Europe, the Russian invasion has sent shockwaves throughout the community.
The large Ukranian population stood in solidarity with fellow New Yorkers and Russians to sing and showed their pride at Asser Levy Park.
"We need to get together, we need to get organized, no body hears our problems," said organizer Angela Kravtchenko, who is originally from Ukraine.
She wiped away tears while trying to express the ramifications of the war.
"Try to imagine, the house where you were born, where you grew up suddenly disappears or gets bombed. It becomes very personal," Kravtchenko said.
Ukranian Americans, young and old, held signs, waved Ukrainian flags, and prayed for a better tomorrow.
Even New Yorkers with no personal ties to Ukraine came out to support.
"That's what New York is all about, right? It's about different countries brought together. This is not about Ukrainians versus Russians," said Italian American Robert Mallia.
Local Ukrainians said they were grateful for the love they've received but, still, they said it is not enough.
The rally ended with a candlelight vigil in remembrance of the innocent lives lost so far.