PARMA, Ohio — United States Senator Rob Portman visited Parma and attended a community prayer service and rally in support of Ukraine as it deals with Russia's invasion.
Portman, along with other local, state and federal leaders stood in solidarity at St. Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral Sunday as part of a service and rally.
"That evil is taking away people’s culture, people’s identity, and people's nationality and it can’t stand," State Senator Matt Dolan said.
"This Russian federation war was brought upon by only one man, who is determined to debate and destroy our nation of Ukraine," Rev. Michael Hontaruk told the congregation.
While Portman was at the prayer service and rally, he delivered remarks about Russia's invasion in Ukraine and how Congress and President Joe Biden's administration can better support Ukraine moving forward.
"What’s happening is an atrocity," he said. "We have to be sure we are responding as well, not just America, but countries all around the world that believe in freedom and this is the fight of our times."
Portman is slated to return to Washington D.C. and meet with the Ukrainian ambassador Monday to learn more about how the United States and Ohio can support Ukraine.
One way the Parma area is planning to support Ukraine is open its doors to any refugees that make their way to Ohio.
"We'll organize here in Northeast Ohio so when those Ukrainian citizens want to come to the United States, we’ll be ready for them," Parma mayor Tim DeGeeter said.
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