Ukraine takes center stage at Yonkers City Hall

The Ukrainian flag flew at Yonkers City Hall on Aug. 24 accompanied by ceremonies that included a speech by Ukraine’s Consul General in New York Oleksii Holubov. The event highlighted the 32nd anniversary of Ukrainian independence and showed support for Ukraine in its fight to win the war that Russia started when it invaded in February of last year.

Roman Kozicky of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America Westchester Branch welcomed those attending.

“As we all know, the people of Ukraine are in a monumental struggle for their continued existence as a country and as a nation,” Kozicky said. “This is a struggle like the struggle between good and absolute evil that can only end in a total victory because there is no compromise that can be made with the devil.”

Kozicky, who serves as chairman of the Yonkers Planning Board, said that the gathering at City Hall in Yonkers manifests what it means to be a true American.

“From the start of the war, Americans throughout the United States and especially here in Yonkers have overwhelmingly expressed their readiness to stand up for the core principles of freedom, independence and democracy,” Kozicky said. “They have provided and continue to provide immeasurable moral financial support because that is the essence of being an American. It is who we are and it is the right thing to do.”

Oleksii Holubov, consul general at the Ukrainian Consulate in New York, said that as a result of Russia’s invasion the Ukrainian flag has become an even more powerful symbol of Ukraine’s statehood and the unbreakable spirit of the Ukrainian people.

“It is probably present at many places all over the word inspiring people of goodwill to be strong like Ukraine,” Holubov said. “We’re absolutely confident our national flag will return to all liberated cities and villages of Ukraine temporarily occupied now by Russian terrorists.”

Holubov said that Ukraine”™s military is making progress against the Russians and while the Russians continue targeting residential areas, schools and hospitals with missiles and artillery Ukraine calls on its allies for additional support.

“When Russia retreats from the occupied territories we will ensure the rule of law instead the rule of the gun and violence,” Holubov said. “There is no fatigue over Russia’s war against Ukraine. Quite the contrary, we see and feel growing support and standing with Ukraine. We’re grateful to all our dedicated partners for help provided to my country: military, political, financial, humanitarian and cutting business and financial ties against aggressors.”