Ukrainians at the protests in США was much less: activist Mirnyi called the reasons

The number of Ukrainians protesting in США has decreased significantly compared to the beginning of a full-scale invasion of Russia. Among the possible reasons is fear of deportation, employment and emotional exhaustion. At the same time, the Ukrainian diaspora continues to influence American politics through contacts with Congress

About it in the program "Що далі?" on air Espreso told activist, co-founder of Rebirth.Ukraine in New-Йорку Всеволод Мирний.

According to him, Ukrainian organizations in США continue to hold charity events, raise funds for the Armed Forces of Ukraine and organize protests. However, the involvement of Ukrainians in public events has decreased significantly.

"Я на акції протесту приходжу з самого початку повномасштабного вторгнення. Це правда, що людей стало набагато менше. І в медійному аспекті, для того щоб тримати увагу, зараз ми маємо придумувати щось екстраординарне", – зазначив Мирний.

The activist explained that the organizers have to use performances and other non-standard formats to attract the attention of American society and the media to the war in Ukraine.

One of the possible reasons for the decrease in activity Mirny called the uncertainty of the migration status of Ukrainians who are in Сполучених Штатах.

According to him, a significant part of Ukrainians has a temporary residence status and does not know what awaits them in the future. Because of this, some may be afraid of checks of the Immigration and Customs Law Enforcement Service США (ICE) and possible deportation.

"Велика кількість українців тут зараз перебуває на тимчасовому статусі. Вони не знають, що з ними буде, бояться цих ICE-перевірок, бояться депортації, можливо", said the activist.

At the same time, Mirny stressed that he could not accurately name the reasons for the absence of all participants, since he mostly communicates with Ukrainians who are actively engaged in volunteering and public activities.

Among other possible factors, he singled out work, personal circumstances and fatigue from long-term social activity.

According to Mirny, during the organization of one of the last actions, he received about 20 messages from people who could not join because of work or absence from the city.

"Хтось боїться депортації, хтось втомився. Є люди з оточення, про яких я можу точно сказати, що вони емоційно вигоріли. І їм важко зараз цим займатися", he said.

At the same time, the activist noted that among his acquaintances there are many motivated Ukrainians who continue to help Ukraine, including those who have been doing this with 2014 for a year.

How the Ukrainian Diaspora Affects Washington’s Decision

Mirny stressed that the activities of Ukrainian organizations in США are not limited to street protests.

According to him, American Coalition for Ukraine operates in the country, which unites organizations from all 50 states. Its participants coordinate work with American officials and contribute to the communication of voters with their representatives in Congress.

"Є певний вплив на Палату представників, на Сенат, який у тому числі здійснює українська діаспора, американці українського походження, які є виборцями цих представників", – пояснив активіст.

He added that the protests are primarily aimed at maintaining attention to Ukraine in the American information space, as well as expressing disagreement with certain political decisions.

As an example, Mirny cited the organization of the protest after the appearance of messages related to Starlink. According to him, the activists decided to hold the action after he appealed to familiar Ukrainian military to find out the situation.

The action was supported by Ukrainians in New York, and Americans also joined it.

"Ми додали перформанс, який показує, що такі угоди з терористами можуть коштувати реальних життів українців", said Mirny.

The activist stressed that despite the reduction in the number of protesters, Ukrainian organizations continue to hold events and collect assistance for ЗСУ. In particular, he said, a large charity event is planned this month, all the funds from which should be directed to support the Ukrainian military.

Against the background of discussions on the policy of the presidential administration США Дональда Трампа regarding Ukraine in the Ukrainian information space, questions arose about the activity of the diaspora and its ability to influence the decisions of the American authorities.

As Mirny explained, Ukrainian organizations use two main areas of work: public actions to attract public attention and systematic communication with American legislators through voters and public associations.