Pro-Ukrainian groups held rallies across the U.S. over the weekend.
Those in states with large Ukrainian populations, like Michigan, continue calling for peace, while preparing for a potential Russian invasion.
With patriotic songs and tearful testimonies, hundreds gathered in a banquet hall at the Ukrainian Cultural Center, in the city of Warren.
Rally organizer Mykola Murskyj heads a hastily assembled committee including credit unions, Ukrainian elementary schools and veteran’s organizations, fearing for those in their native homeland.
“So we’re collecting humanitarian aid, we have accounts open where people can donate funds, to make sure that if the worst should happen in Ukraine that we are helping to alleviate the suffering.”
He says they’re also ready for a possible influx of refugees, though he adds some they know in Ukraine are too old to travel far.