Despite Federal Freeze, Ohio Continues to Support Ukrainian Effort
PARMA - The parish hall of St. Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral was packed over the weekend as members of the state’s largest Ukrainian population showed up to show their support and listen to concerns over the recent falling out of U.S. President Trump and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Oleksandrovych Zelenskyy which led to a pause on international aid to the eastern European country. Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur addressed the crowd and encouraged attendees to stand firm in their support of Ukraine and not to feel “weak” or “depressed.” The Democrat congresswoman echoed sentiments of Ohio’s Republican Governor Mike DeWine, who has gone against the Trump Administration's official stance on the instigation of the conflict.
Despite support for the conflict continuing to decline since war broke out, with some even stating they now support Russia in the conflict, The state of Ohio has officially issued a proclamation laying blame for the conflict on Russia. On February 24, Governor DeWine issued a proclamation officially laying blame for the conflict on Russia and stating they violated international law and solidifying a statewide call to divest in Russian industries and institutions. Further, it was noted the Ohio National Guard had provided direct military aid to Ukraine by way of armored personnel carriers and other essential supplies.
The statement echoes a myriad of partisan talking points that ignore Ukrainian antagonism of Russia prior to the 2014 engagements. The bordering nation demanded NATO membership or threatened to pursue nuclear weapons in 2021, both red lines for Russia, who commenced their military occupation against Ukraine in 2022. In his public outburst at President Trump and Vice President Vance, Zelenskyy put the initial invasion date in 2014, an attempt to attribute the Russian annexation of Crimea as an invasion point. This ignores the democratic referendum in March 2014, in which 97 percent of the voting population voted to join the Russian federation on an 89 percent voter turnout.
