PORTLAND, Oregon — Ukrainians marked 1,000 days since the Russian invasion, as the conflict appeared to enter a new phase Tuesday. The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv announced it would close on Wednesday after receiving specific information of a "Potential significant air attack," with employees instructed to shelter in place.
U.S. officials said that for the first time, Ukraine had fired American-made, long-range missiles at Russian targets. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin formally lowered the threshold for use of nuclear weapons, suggesting Moscow could return fire from conventional weapons with a nuclear response.
In downtown Portland Tuesday, a small group gathered at Pioneer Courthouse Square to show solidarity and support with Ukraine by singing traditional Ukrainian folk songs. They've long believed the conflict not only pits Russia against Ukraine, but also the whole world.
"This is a hard day for every Ukrainian," said Inna Kovtun, an Ukrainian musician who fled the country at the start of the conflict and is now living in Portland as a refugee. She sang several songs in celebration of Ukrainian culture as an act of defiance against Russia.
"Russia not only wants to kill Ukrainian people, but also our beautiful tradition, our beautiful songs," said Kovtun. "It's so important."
Many Oregonians joined Ukrainians like Kovtun in solidarity.
"There can be no peace until the Russian regime withdraws all its troops from Ukrainian territory," said Devin Mullins, a volunteer with American Coalition for Ukraine.
Mullins urged Oregonians to do what they can to support Ukraine as the conflict deepens. He suggested calling state lawmakers to urge them to support continued aid to Ukraine amid so many unknowns.
"I don't know what president Trump's plans are for Ukraine, I think there's a lot of uncertainty," said Mullins. "But as Americans, we have no right to make decisions without Ukrainians at the table. We need to center their voices and take their lead and show support."
On Tuesday, at least, there were singing voices, and for Kovtun, hope.
"I want come back home," she said, "and have peaceful sky over Ukraine."