12-05-2025
US Ukrainian Activists plant victory garden near Russian Embassy
WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — Volunteers planted their version of a victory garden in an empty lot across the street from the Russian Embassy Sunday.
'Ukraine will win,' said Nadia Shaporynska, president of U.S. Ukrainian Activists.
She and others planted sunflowers, Ukraine's national flower, and have become a symbol of that nation's fight for freedom. The tradition started in April 2022, two months after Russia launched its attack on its neighbor.
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'We are very, very happy about it,' Shaporynska said. 'We are so happy to see so many people who support Ukraine.'
The garden is located in Boris Nemtsov Plaza, named for a Russian physicist and critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Assassins killed Nemtsov in 2015.
'I believe it's an unjust war,' said Lindsey McGrath, one of the volunteers. 'I believe the Ukrainian people have a right to defend themselves and their homeland.'
The planting came just a day before a proposed 30-day ceasefire could take effect Monday. Leaders from the European Union called for it after they met with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday.
'It would be good,' Shaporynska said. 'It would be good for both sides.'
Vandals destroyed the previous gardens. But organizers will install security cameras to catch anyone who tries to do it this year.
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