The statement below was released by the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America on November 14.
On Monday, November 13, a Ukrainian American activist was arrested outside the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. A member of the National Cathedral community, Alexa Chopivsky had been vocal in her disappointment over the cathedral hosting “A Concert for Unity” organized by the Russian Embassy. The concert featured conductor Valery Gergiev and pianist Denis Matsuev, both well-known supporters of Vladimir Putin and his imperial ambitions in Ukraine. Not only did both artists sign a well-publicized letter in support of Putin’s actions in Ukraine after the occupation of Crimea, Gergiev has touted his friendship with Putin by performing in Russian-occupied territory in Georgia and in the Russian-occupied city of Palmyra in Syria while Putin’s forces were actively shelling civilians in Aleppo in 2016.
Protesters have been convening for years outside of concerts featuring Gergiev, Matsuev and the 500+ other Russian artists who publically signed their support for Russia’s imperialism. As expressed by the Embassy of Ukraine to the United States, it is regretful that institutions such as the National Cathedral have offered a platform for Russian propaganda.
The Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA), the largest grassroots representation of Americans of Ukrainian descent, further regrets than an institution of such dignity as the Washington National Cathedral, which hosted the state funerals of the 34th, 38th and 40th U.S. presidents, chose to not accommodate the protesters’ right to free speech by keeping them all away from any entrances to the cathedral complex.
As a public institution committed to cooperating with government authorities in their policies for the common good, UCCA recognizes and supports the principles of the United States Constitution. The right to distribute flyers or leaflets; the right to hold demonstrations, press conferences, or rallies; and the right to march on public sidewalks and in public streets are all protected by the First Amendment. We hope that the powers that be at the Washington National Cathedral realize the error of their ways and decline to further press charges against Ms. Chopivsky.
Ukrainian Americans being arrested for protesting Russian imperialism is certainly not a new development. Nevertheless, we are at a loss when asked to cite a similar instance of an arrest for respectfully distributing flyers outside of a concert in the 26 years of Ukraine’s independence.
UCCA applauds Ms. Chopivsky’s tenacity and dedication in leading her local community against Russian attempts to win over public favor. Moreover, we ask on behalf of our nationwide community, that the Washington National Cathedral withdraw its pressing of charges and work with us to help prevent such mistakes going forward.