Ukrainian activists stage protest at Russian holiday celebration in New York

Ukrainian activists staged a protest against Russian propaganda in Times Square, New York City, on Sunday.

The protest thwarted a Maslenitsa celebration planned by local Russians, Rubryka reports, citing the civic organization "Svitanok" on Facebook.

Representatives of the aggressor country decided to introduce residents and guests of the American metropolis to the "great and mighty Russian culture," bringing samovars, balalaikas, bears, and masqueraders to the square. The "Svitanok" organization spoke out against the event.

"We repelled the enemy's propaganda attack in the center of New York. We took all possible measures in time not only to disrupt the Russian 'feast during the plague' but also successfully launched an informational counterattack," said the head of the organization, Oleksa Taran, on his Facebook page.

Activists thanked the New York Police Department for ensuring their safety throughout the event.

"We stood watching the Russians dance and laugh in our faces. However, Americans heard us and supported us – sympathetic and aware people. They stopped to talk, joined us to stand by our side and support us, shouting slogans against Russian propaganda," the organization's statement said.

In related news, a mass protest took place against Russian aggression against Ukraine in Brussels, dedicated to the anniversary of the start of the war. According to various estimates, five to seven thousand people participated in the demonstration. Many participants carried Ukrainian flags and banners with slogans such as "Ukraine above all," "Putin, go to hell," and "Stop Putin, stop the war." Demonstrators chanted slogans: "Ukraine must win," "Russia is a terrorist state," and "Zelensky is great, Putin's end," and sang the Ukrainian anthem and Ukrainian folk songs.