‘Mothers March’ seeks no-fly zone over Ukraine

Protesters also draw attention to deaths of children in conflict.

As chants to “close the sky” blared from a megaphone, dozens of protesters gathered Saturday afternoon in downtown Atlanta to show solidarity with Ukraine, with many calling on the U.S. and its NATO allies to establish a no-fly zone over the country.

Billed as a “Mothers March” according to a Facebook event created by organizers, attendees also brought attention to the deaths of children in the conflict. Some carried dolls swaddled in blankets stained with red paint to symbolize the young lives lost so far in Russia’s invasion.

The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights says that 847 civilians — including 36 children — have been killed in the con- flict so far, though the orga- nization cautions that those figures likely underestimate the death toll.

Many of the protesters had personal connections to the conflict.

One of the event’s orga- nizers, Olga Gorman, said she moved to the U.S. from Kyiv just six months ago after getting married. But many of her family members are still in Ukraine, including her brother and sister. She texts

frequently to check on them, but prefers to speak with them by phone when possible so she can hear their voices.

The weeks since Russia’s invasion have been agonizing, she said. Her brother lives in Kharkiv — Ukraine’s second-largest city, located in the northeast corner of the country — which has seen some of the heaviest shelling so far by Russian forces.

“He’s a responsible man, but of course I am worried,” Gorman said. “Tomorrow, it could be your home (that’s destroyed). Nobody knows.”

Gorman said that while she appreciates the U.S.’S support for Ukraine, she fears civilians will continue to die in large numbers unless the U.S. and its allies establish a no-fly zone over the country.

“Kids are dying every day,” she said. “It’s not enough.”

In a live video address to Congress on March 16, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy pleaded with U.S. leaders to do more to support his country’s fight against Russia. Shortly after, President Joe Biden announced an additional $800 million in aid for Ukraine, including anti-aircraft systems, drones and more. But he NATO leaders have rebuffed calls to establish a no-fly zone over the country, over fears that such a move could spark a wider conflict.

Many of the protesters gathered Saturday signaled with their signs and words that they believe a move to close the skies over Ukraine should be considered.

Joane Dutko Wachs, a Marietta resident who has extended family still living in Ukraine and whose parents immigrated to the U.S. from the country, said she fears Russian President Vladimir Putin has aspirations beyond just conquering Ukraine.

“I understand both sides of it, but I think we need to have a more aggressive posture,” she said. “This isn’t just for Ukraine — this is for democracy.”