Supporters to end the conflict in Ukraine gather for prayer outside state capitol building

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — The one year anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine has Lincolnites gathering to remember everything that has happened.

On Saturday, hundreds of people gathered near the capitol building to show their support in the efforts to end the war.

One of those supporters was Constantine Syniy who was surrounded by the familiar yellow and blue colors of the Ukrainian flag.

“It feels very warming,” he said. “We feel like we have a lot of support coming from the community.”

Syniy said this helped Ukrainian’s express themselves at Saturday’s gathering.

For many refugees the gathering was to remember those who they’ve been separated from.

“My family, they decided to stay back to help people who need it,” Syniy said.

He said he was amazed at how many showed up to show their support.

Mykhailo Smyshliaiev stood near the street holding a large flag as cars passed by.

He said the gathering was also to remember what is still happening one year later.

“We are gathered together to pray because it’s one year of war, one year of genocide of Ukrainians,” Smyshliaiev said.

He said a major part of today’s prayer is hoping that by this time next year that the conflict will have reached a resolution.

“We are going to have a victory soon, and we know America will celebrate it with us,” Smyshliaiev said.

Many at the gathering expressed the same feeling, but until that day they said they will keep raising awareness for the situation.

Untied Way of Lincoln and Lancaster County has set aside a resettlement fund for refugees that come to Lincoln.