Oksana Baiul Joins Other Las Vegas Residents to Show Unity with Ukraine

A series of heartfelt gestures and formal gatherings are underway in Southern Nevada to show solidarity for the people and government of Ukraine given the Russian attack. Famed ice skater Oksana Baiul is scheduled to appear at a 3 pm rally on Saturday at the steps of Las Vegas City Hall.

The iconic Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign, pictured above. It is illuminated with blue and yellow. These are Ukraine s colors. (Image: KSNV)

Baiul, an Olympic gold medalist from Ukraine turned pro ice skater who is now a Nevada resident, is among those planning to show up at Saturday’s “Rally for Peace in Ukraine,” reported KSNV, a local TV station.

She told the station she recently has been in contact with friends and loved ones in Ukraine. Some are seeking safety in bomb shelters.

My first couple of days, I cried so much,” Baiul revealed to KSNV. “And I spoke to people in my country, and they were in shock… Nobody expected this to happen.”

Individuals Stand up

Other individuals and business around Vegas are showing their support for Ukraine, too.

Starting this past Monday, the iconic “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign was lit up with Ukraine’s colors of blue and yellow.

On Sunday, March 6,  religious leaders in northwestern Nevada will lead a candlelight vigil and offer prayers for peace and unity. 

Last Saturday some 100 people showed up at a pro-Ukrainian rally off of Las Vegas Boulevard. It was called “Peaceful meeting against war in Ukraine.”

Evel Pie a pizza restaurant located in downtown Las Vegas poured Russian vodka onto the sidewalk. The restaurant held a fundraiser for the Red Cross by serving shots of Ukrainian vodka.

UNLV Musician Appreciates Support for Ukraine

The various shows of support in Nevada mean a lot to one former Ukrainian resident: Taras Krysa, an associate professor and director of orchestras at UNLV. He recently was the music director of the Lviv Philharmonic Orchestra in Ukraine. Krysa’s ancestry is half Ukrainian and half Russian

Taras Krysa, an associate professor and director of orchestras at UNLV, pictured above. He was the music director of the Lviv Philharmonic Orchestra in Ukraine. He wants to see more support from NATO member nations, including the US, for Ukraine. (Image: UNLV)

He said he plans to perform concerts with the Las Vegas Sinfonietta and UNLV Symphony Orchestra featuring Ukrainian composers. “Hope to see people in attendance,” Krysa told Casino.org.

But what Ukraine needs is arms and funds to finance the fight,” he explained.

He said he would like to see NATO member nations, including the US, set up a no-fly zone, provide air assistance, weapons, ammunition.

“I know Ukraine will prevail eventually,” Krysa added. “Ukrainians are a talented and resilient people that have no ill will towards anyone. However, when bullied, Ukrainians will fight back.”

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