On March 7, 2026, residents of Vermont marked the four-year anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Across the state, individuals and groups demonstrated their ongoing support for Ukraine through various acts of solidarity. The former Montpelier Post Office has become a focal point, where a dedicated group has gathered every Tuesday and Thursday at noon for the past four years, waving blue and yellow flags.
Joanne Yurchesyn, a member of the local Ukrainian community and owner of a boutique in Richmond, expressed the importance of their presence. “By not showing up, we’re not going to end the war. We want people to see that we care and that we stand with Ukraine,” she stated. Yurchesyn has raised approximately $70,000 for Ukraine’s military efforts, aiming to provide essential support during the ongoing conflict.
Community Support and National Implications
The expressions of support for Ukraine extend beyond flag-waving. Various businesses across Vermont have removed Russian-made products from their shelves, while several nonprofits actively send aid overseas. Currently, about 160 members of the Vermont National Guard Mountain Infantry Brigade and Cavalry Squadron are stationed in Germany, assisting in the training of Ukrainian troops.
As the war continues into another year, discussions regarding U.S. funding for Ukraine have intensified. In 2025, Vice President JD Vance faced protests during a ski trip to the Mad River Valley, following a contentious meeting at the White House with Ukraine’s president. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties, with estimates indicating that hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians and over a million Russians have lost their lives in combat. Moreover, tens of thousands of Ukrainian children have been taken into Russia, highlighting the severe humanitarian impact of the war.
State Senator Tanya Vyhovsky, representing Chittenden County, emphasized the importance of maintaining awareness of the situation. Comparing the current crisis to World War II, she noted, “We cannot allow people to stop paying attention to the inhumanity. Ukraine is on the front line of that fight, but if we allow them to be defeated, that fight is coming to our backyard, to Poland’s backyard.”
Ongoing Solidarity Efforts
As diplomatic negotiations continue between the United States, Russia, and Ukraine, the residents of Vermont remain committed to voicing their support for the Ukrainian people. Conversations among Vermonters reflect a strong desire to ensure that the plight of Ukraine does not fade from public consciousness. The commitment to solidarity is evident, as community members continue to gather, advocate, and raise funds to support the nation in its time of need.
The anniversary serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle faced by the Ukrainian people, as well as the vital role that communities worldwide can play in rallying support and raising awareness.