On May 31, a gathering of American citizens of Ukrainian descent and supporters of Ukraine took place near the Russian embassy in Washington, D.C. The event, now in its fifth year, involved planting sunflowers, which symbolize resilience and determination in the face of the ongoing war with Russia.
The initiative was organized by the US Ukrainian Activists (USUA). According to USUA President Nadia Shaporynska, the sunflower is Ukraine’s national flower and represents the country’s struggle for freedom and independence. “This symbolizes Ukraine’s fight, its resilience, and sends a clear message to Russia that the spirit of Ukraine is unbreakable. Ukraine will continue to fight until every inch of its territory is liberated,” she stated.
Among the attendees was Oksana Markarova, former Ukrainian ambassador to the U.S. and current advisor to the President’s Office on reconstruction and investments. Markarova emphasized the event’s role in showcasing a broad coalition of Ukrainians, diaspora organizations, and American supporters who stand with Kyiv against Russian aggression.
“As an ambassador, I had the honor of supporting this initiative since 2022, and we do this every year. I’m glad to be back in Washington for a few weeks and join as a private citizen,” she remarked. Markarova referred to the sunflower as a symbol of Ukraine and noted that the annual event serves as a reminder to both Russian diplomats and the wider public.
“We want to show representatives of the empire of evil here that we will not surrender; we will defend our country. These beautiful sunflowers remind us of Ukrainian resilience and that we must prevail,” she added.
Supportive honks from passing drivers were heard as volunteers planted flowers and waved Ukrainian flags. Local supporter Sheila Ward expressed her appreciation for the turnout, saying, “It’s heartening to see people signaling their support. We are spending this time together to make it clear to the Russian embassy that Ukraine is not forgotten and still has significant backing here. It’s nice to see so many people driving by and showing their support.”
The event also attracted long-time Ukraine supporters from political and legal circles in Washington, including Benjamin Wittes, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and a regular participant in the sunflower planting initiative.
Wittes expressed mixed emotions about the recurring nature of the event. “The fact that we have to do this for the fifth time is deeply moving, as it shows that people continue to come year after year. However, it would be remiss of me not to acknowledge that it is truly a tragedy that we still need to engage in this symbolic act,” he said.
Since taking office in January 2025, President Donald Trump has emphasized the need for a swift resolution to the war in Ukraine. The U.S. has acted as a mediator in a series of negotiations that have yet to yield a ceasefire. Territorial control remains a contentious issue, with Russia insisting on full control over the Donetsk region as a condition for dialogue, a demand unacceptable to Ukraine.
The last direct trilateral negotiations occurred in February, and discussions have been stalled following the onset of military actions by the U.S. and Israel against Iran.
A gathering in Washington, D.C. saw activists plant sunflowers to symbolize Ukrainian resilience against Russian aggression. The event highlighted ongoing support for Ukraine amid stalled peace negotiations.