Stand With Ukraine - Brno
During a month-long stay in Brno, Czech Republic, I met a group of activists called Stand With Ukraine - Brno. They demonstrate against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and belong to a larger movement of activists around the world who participate in similar demonstrations. Mariie Korotkova, organizer of the group, told me that what was originally supposed to be a “solitary picket” turned into a larger group when she saw a need for Ukrainians living in Brno to have mutual support and a space to express themselves.
Korotkova and her group allowed me to attend their weekly demonstrations, photograph them and gave me a window into their stories. I heard of family members still fighting in Ukraine and concerns over the spread of the war to other countries.

Stand With Ukraine-Brno gathers on Aug 13, 2023 at náměstí Svobody in Brno, Česká republika.

Mariia Korotkova poses for a photo while wearing Ukrainian flag-colored eye makeup and a vinok, a traditional Ukrainian headpiece, after a demonstration with her pro-Ukraine group on Aug 13, 2023 at náměstí Svobody in Brno, Česká republika. Korotkova said that it was originally supposed to be a solitary picket, but made it a group when she realized other Ukrainians living in Brno would want mutual support and a place to express themselves. She also added that a lot of Czechs come to support their rallies.

Two children hold up a sign with Stand With Ukraine-Brno during a demonstration against Russia's war in Ukraine on Aug 13, 2023 at náměstí Svobody in Brno, Česká republika.

Stanislav Nazarenko (center) sings the Ukrainian national anthem with pro-Ukraine demonstration group Stand With Ukraine-Brno on Aug 13, 2023 at náměstí Svobody in Brno, Česká republika.

Socks worn by a demonstrator with Stand With Ukraine-Brno on Aug 6, 2023 at Moravské náměstí in Brno, Česká republika.

Jan Caletka (left) and Martin Holub wear flags while demonstrating against Russia's war in Ukraine with Stand With Ukraine-Brno on July 30, 2023 at Moravské náměstí in Brno, Česká republika.

Stanislav Nazarenko rolls up a Ukrainian flag after a demonstration with Stand With Ukraine-Brno on Aug 13, 2023 at náměstí Svobody in Brno, Česká republika.

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