Hundreds turn out in Rochester to show support for Ukraine

Several hundred people gathered in Peace Plaza on Monday to show solidarity for the people of Ukraine amid the country’s war with Russia.

Among those who spoke at the vigil was Svetlana Vovkovinska, a Ukrainian-born nurse who works in the Mayo Clinic ICU.

“I am crying that that happens to my country,” she said of the Russian invasion, which began last week and has since killed at least 100 civilians.

Svetlana Vovkovinska speaks during a vigil at Peace Plaza.

Vovkovinska, who moved to Rochester in 1989 to seek treatment for her late son, Igor, told the crowd she feels patriotism to both the U.S. and her native born country. Draped in the colors of Ukraine, Vovkovinska said that loyalty has been passed on to her children, the eldest of whom has returned to Ukraine to join military forces fighting to push back against Russia.

“When you come home, you don’t have to do an official prayer,” she told the crowd. “Just pray, and say there are some people who [have] even been here for so long, they are still in hurt about their homeland.”

Another speaker, Dr. Alexandra Wolanskyj-Spinner, a Mayo Clinic physician of Ukrainian heritage, shared that her heart was broken by the events of the past week. She said Ukrainians deserve the opportunity for freedom of expression, self-determination, and democracy.

Upwards of 300 people attended the event in Peace Plaza.

Still, Wolanskyj-Spinner, whose sister works as a journalist and translator in the western part of the country, said she finds hope in seeing so many of her community members show up in support of Ukraine.

“She [my sister] says Ukrainians ask for peace,” said Wolanskyj-Spinner, “and she in particular said, ‘I thank you all for your demonstrations.’”

The displays of support for Ukraine extended to City Hall, which lit up blue to symbolize peace. Mayo Clinic’s Plummer Building also turned blue and yellow, the colors of the Ukrainian flag, to show solidarity with Ukraine.

Sean Baker is a Rochester journalist and the founder of Med City Beat.