About 20 people protested at the historic Lexington Battle Green Sunday in support of Ukrainians and their fight against Russia.

The protest came two days after President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s contentious meeting in the White House regarding the minerals deal.

The protesters held signs and one man held a full-size American flag in the upside-down position. Karl Weiland of Lexington carried the flag on a pole, which flapped vigorously in a biting, cold wind.

Karl Weiland carried an upside down American flag at the protest

When asked if the Ukrainian war was just, Weiland said, “It’s a war of defense. How can it be any more just than that?” Of Ukrainian President Zelensky, Weiland said he has been “doing his best in an impossible situation.”  

Weiland also felt that President Trump’s manner of dealing with Zelensky on Friday, in a tense Oval Office meeting, was “shameful.” 

When asked who started the war, Weiland laughed and said, “I’m pretty sure [President of Russia] Vladimir Putin started the war.”

Christina and Peter Buniak at the protest with their two children

Peter and Christina Buniak of Lexington also attended the protest with their two young children. Each member of the family wore clothing or carried fabrics of blue and yellow, the colors of the Ukrainian flag.   

Peter, 42, said his family was of Ukrainian descent and they were at the protest “to support democracy of Ukraine.” He believes “the American people primarily stand behind Ukraine and that’s what we should have our politicians do as well.”  

Christina, 45, said, “We stay in touch with family in Ukraine frequently. They are heroic. Honestly, the suffering is unimaginable…” She paused, appearing to choke up, and continued: “They’re never backing down. They have no choice. And they are amazing people, with fortitude… and we’re proud to be supporting them, even if it’s from afar.”

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4 Comments

  1. I would have joined them if I had known about it. If they protest again, I hope they will post on the Lexington, MA Residents Facebook group page.

  3. I’m not sure what a couple of handfuls of people standing out in the cold in a liberal town like Lexington does for Ukraine. If someone can make a good case for such a demonstration for Ukraine, I’ll try to attend the next one. I’ve sent money.

  4. Pingback: Lexington Police suggest changing protest rules along Battle Green - The Lexington Observer
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