By Mike Hazlip—
Flags and signs could be seen above Interstate 80 on the Antelope Road overpass on Saturday, where a small group gathered to show support for Ukraine as the country defends itself against a Russian military invasion.
“We’re doing this to support our country, our Ukraine,” Igor Khrypta said, while holding signs with his family members and some other friends. “My siblings actually live there still, so we’re supporting. I cannot go there to help them out so I’m helping out somehow here.”
Vehicles along Antelope Road honked and waved in support of the small flag waiving group, as did drivers traveling along the freeway under the overpass.
Yaroslav Khrypta, of North Highlands, said he wants to see an end to the conflict.
“I want to stop the aggression,” Khrypta said. “I want no war because Ukraine is my homeland, that’s where I was born.”
The Khryptas say they have family currently living in Ukraine, but they are in a safe place.
Other demonstrations have also taken place in Citrus Heights. ABC10 reported a large rally for peace in Ukraine took place last Sunday at Sunrise Mall.
About 15,000 Ukrainians call Sacramento County home, according to The Sacramento Bee. Chief editor of the publication Slavic Sacramento, Ruslan Gurzhiy, told ABC10 he estimates about 100,000 Slavic immigrants live in the greater Sacramento area.
A mass migration of Ukrainian people from their homeland has been ongoing since Feb. 20, when Russian forces moved into Ukraine in what President Vladimir Putin called a “special military operation.” The move has been condemned as an invasion by much of the Western world, triggering economic sanctions against Russia.
Gurzhiy said he expects to see another wave of immigrants coming to Sacramento as a result of the war, according to ABC10.
Want to share your thoughts on this story? The Sentinel welcomes letter to the editors or opinion columns for publication. To submit one online, click here.
