Thousands took part in demonstrations Feb. 23 in Toronto, New York, Chicago and other cities in North America in support of the overturn of Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych and to commemorate the deaths of those who fought for independence there. Chants in English and Ukrainian included “Glory to the Ukraine,” “Glory to the martyrs” and “Putin, hands off Ukraine.”

“I am here to support the struggle for democracy, civil rights and political freedom in my country,” Iryna Stakhyra, who works in a medical office in Hackensack, N.J., told the Militant at the New York rally of more than 400 across from the Ukraine Consulate. “We need to be free from Russian interference.” Supporters of the socialist newsweekly sold 71 copies of the paper and three subscriptions.

Vasyl Pryshliak, a 29-year-old electrician who came to Chicago two years ago, told the Militant he joined the action of more than 200 there “for the memory of those who died for Ukraine independence and in the fight against government oppression.”

Hundreds rallied in Toronto’s Queens Park across from the Ontario provincial legislative building.