Protest in Chicago for Ukraine: The world is watching.

Voices echo against the echo chamber for authoritarianism.

Mar 03, 2025

At this moment, every evening feels like doomscrolling, waiting for the inevitable—an announcement that we’ve crossed the point of no return. The way we treated Ukraine’s head of state, Volodymyr Zelensky, was a chilling reminder of how quickly support can erode when politics takes precedence over human lives.

In Chicago, people see the warning signs. They take to the streets, refusing to stay silent as the world edges closer to catastrophe. These images capture more than just protest; they document a collective demand to be heard before it’s too late.

"The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any." — Alice Walker

All these photographs were taken on March 2, 2025, during the protest in Chicago. You may never hear about any of this due to the complete censorship on social media platforms and the violation of people's First Amendment rights.

And to be clear, it’s extremely important to photograph protests, everyday life, etc. The world needs to know that our voices are being smothered by the foot of authoritarianism. We are speaking out against it.

I stand with you in solidarity.

All photographs are copyright by ©Adriano Kalin.

A black and white photograph captures a large protest in support of Ukraine. The crowd, bundled in winter clothing, holds various signs and flags. A prominent sign reads "Justice for Ukraine," while another declares "War Criminal" with an image of Vladimir Putin. A man in the center lifts a child onto her shoulders as they reach upward, surrounded by protesters waving Ukrainian flags. The scene is filled with determined expressions and a strong sense of collective resistance.

A black and white photograph captures a solitary protester leaning against the stone wall of a historic building. Dressed in a black puffer jacket, hat, and gloves, they are engrossed in their phone while holding a protest sign that reads, "TRUMP IS A PEDO." The stark contrast of the stone architecture and the lone figure creates a contemplative, almost quiet moment amid the larger protest. A window above reflects faint interior details, adding depth to the otherwise still scene.

A black and white photograph of a protest captures a demonstrator holding a sign that reads "Worst Bully," featuring a caricature of Donald Trump with a crossed-out symbol over his face. The protest takes place in an urban setting, with a historic stone building and modern high-rises in the background. Other protesters carry signs, including one that reads "Stand With," partially obscured. A tree wrapped in string lights frames the right side of the image, contrasting the winter-clad crowd gathered in resistance.

Bullies are not allowed in my classroom! #Educatorsforpeace," accompanied by a peace symbol. The person, wearing a knitted beanie and winter coat, stands among a crowd of demonstrators. The background features urban buildings, trees adorned with string lights, and other protesters holding signs, emphasizing the collective stand against injustice.

A black and white photograph captures a protest on a city street with demonstrators holding signs advocating for Ukraine. One prominent sign reads, "Justice for Invaded Ukraine – You can't reason with a tiger when your head is in his mouth." Another sign states, "We need Peace Makers, NOT Bullies." The crowd, dressed in winter clothing, marches with urgency, while a man wrapped in a flag talks on his phone. Urban buildings, traffic lights, and more protest signs fill the background, highlighting the energy and determination of the movement.

A black and white photograph captures a protest march in support of Ukraine. Protesters hold signs, including one that reads "Slava Ukraini!" and another featuring Anne Frank with the word "Remember." A child sits on a man's shoulders, bundled in winter clothing. The crowd moves past a Ralph Lauren storefront, with determined expressions and Ukrainian flags visible among them.

A black and white photograph captures a protester passionately speaking into a megaphone while marching. They wear a fur-lined coat with embroidered details and a thick, furry hat. Behind them, Ukrainian flags wave as a diverse crowd, including children, marches in support. Signs with bold lettering and determined expressions emphasize the urgency of their message. Reflections in glass buildings add depth to the urban setting.

A protester holds a sign reading "YOU CAN'T BE NEUTRAL WITH TERRORISTS!" while marching with a crowd. The demonstrators, bundled in winter clothing, carry Ukrainian flags and signs, showing their solidarity. Their faces display determination as they move forward together.

A protest scene with demonstrators holding various signs and flags. One prominent sign reads "F*** TRUMP" with decorative elements, while another states "PUTIN is destroying Christians." American and Ukrainian flags wave among the crowd as people march in solidarity. The background features storefronts and city buildings.

A black and white photograph captures a large crowd of protesters marching down a city street, holding signs and flags in support of Ukraine. Prominent signs read "Justice for Ukraine," "We Stand with Ukraine," and "JD Vance, Trump’s Lackey." Ukrainian flags wave among the demonstrators as they walk between tall buildings, their expressions determined and resolute. Sunlight and shadows highlight the movement of the march.

Alt text: A protester passionately speaks into a megaphone during a demonstration in an urban setting. He wears a dark jacket and holds a flag or banner, with tall buildings and traffic lights in the background. His determined expression conveys urgency and activism.

A black and white photograph captures a protest march moving through downtown Chicago, with towering skyscrapers in the background. The demonstrators, bundled in winter clothing, carry flags and signs as they walk past traffic lights and historic buildings. The contrast between the crowd and the cityscape emphasizes the scale of the movement against the urban backdrop.

A black and white photograph captures a protest with a large flag reading "RESIST" waving above the crowd. Demonstrators hold various signs, including "We Stand with Ukraine" and "Stand with Our Allies." The protest takes place in front of a city storefront with reflective windows, adding depth to the scene. The flag’s bold lettering and dynamic movement emphasize the spirit of resistance.

A black and white photograph captures a protest march with demonstrators carrying Ukrainian flags and signs through a city street. A large Ukrainian flag with a trident emblem is prominently displayed. Steam rises between tall buildings in the background, adding depth to the urban setting. Protesters, bundled in winter clothing, walk with determination, some carrying children on their shoulders. The storefront of a Mexican restaurant, "Cantina," is visible, contrasting with the serious tone of the demonstration.

A black and white photograph captures a protest march moving beneath an elevated train track in a city. Demonstrators hold signs, including one that reads "Democracy Over Dictators" and another stating "Trump & Vance Are Traitors." Ukrainian flags wave among the crowd as parents carry children on their shoulders. The urban setting, with street signs, metal staircases, and traffic in the background, frames the marchers in their determined procession.

A black and white photograph captures a moment at a protest in a city intersection. In the foreground, a young man in a hoodie and patterned pants rides a Divvy bike, saluting the camera with a playful expression. Another cyclist wearing a mask rides beside him. In the background, police officers monitor a large crowd of protesters holding signs, while tall buildings and streetlights frame the urban scene. The contrast between the demonstrators and the cyclists adds a dynamic layer to the image.

A black and white photograph captures a protest scene with a diverse crowd gathered in front of a modern glass building. A person in a hooded coat waves a small Ukrainian flag while holding hands with a child bundled in winter clothing. A stroller draped with a Ukrainian flag sits nearby. Protesters, many also carrying flags and signs, stand together in solidarity as they listen to speakers addressing the crowd.

A black and white photograph captures a protest scene in an urban setting. A person draped in a Ukrainian flag stands in the foreground, holding a megaphone at their side. Other demonstrators, also wrapped in flags, engage in conversation or hold signs. The background features towering buildings and city streets, emphasizing the scale of the demonstration. The image conveys a moment of reflection and determination.

A black and white photograph captures a group of protesters gathered around a large public sculpture in an urban setting. A man crouches in the foreground, holding a sign that reads, "Trump, stop playing cards on Ukrainian lives. Aligning with terrorist Russia leads to your second impeachment. Ukraine is not for sale!" Other demonstrators, wrapped in Ukrainian flags, stand on the sculpture, looking solemn and determined. In the background, more protesters hold signs and flags, while city skyscrapers rise above them.

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