Chicago Ukrainians Rally Less Than 48 Hours After Trump Berates Zelenskyy

By Dominic Guanzon

Sunday, 3/2/2025

CHICAGO — Approximately 2,000 people came out to rally, march, and protest the Trump Administration’s anti-Ukrainian stance after a press conference last Friday where Trump and VP Vance aggressively confronted President Zelenskyy. Local Chicago Ukrainian-Americans hastily formed a rally within 48 hours of the incident, first rallying at the Water Tower before marching down Michigan Ave/Mag Mile, through the Loop, before finally rallying again at Daley Plaza. CPD allowed the protesters to take the southbound lanes of traffic.

Along the route was a clear, up-close view of Trump Tower, allowing a steady stream of Ukraine flags and pro-Ukraine signs to sit amidst a backdrop of Chicago’s biggest Trump manifestation.

In the heart of the Loop, a man took the stairs to the Madison Street L station to shout his support for the passing march below, much to the cheers of the crowd.

“Thanks to all American supporters. Without them, we will probably be defeated in three days…but as we got help, we really appreciate that,” a young, local chant leader told me. “When the conference [between Trump and Zelenskyy] happened…we couldn’t stand aside. We will stand for our rights.”

Click on the Flickr album below for full photo album.