On March 2, Alaskans gathered at Anchorage’s Town Square Park to voice opposition to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and express solidarity with Ukraine and those affected by the war. Attendees waved flags, held signs, sang, shared stories, and called for an end to the conflict, which has devastated Ukrainian cities and cost thousands of lives.

Political figures in attendance included Anchorage Mayor Dave Bronson, Anchorage Assembly member and US House candidate Christopher Constant, Municipal Manager Amy Demboski, and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Les Gara. Members of Alaska’s Ukrainian diaspora expressed shock, frustration, and fear watching a brutal and deadly invasion unfold in their homeland. Several individuals in the Ukrainian religious community spoke and a Ukranian choir sang. One man described visiting Ukraine and discovering a natural camaraderie between Ukrainians and Americans.

The event, “Anchorage Stands with Ukraine,” was organized by Elana Habib.

All photos are available for free public use via Creative Commons license, and are available for download on the Landmine Flickr page.