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Independence Mall Protesters Denounce Russian Invasion Of Crimea

By Justin Udo

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) --- Songs, poems and chants could be heard from protesters on Independence Mall Sunday as they denounced the Russian invasion of Crimea.

Standing with Ukrainian, Polish and American flags, dozens of demonstrators took over the mall, protesting what is going on in Ukraine.

"Withdraw your forces, let peace prevail," said Ulana Mazurkevich, with the Ukranian Human Rights Committee. "We're here to speak for peace. We want a peaceful resolution to this awful conflict."

Mazurkevich says their rally is the best way they can show support to their friends and family members who are in Ukraine.

"We're here to stand in solidarity with the many in Kiev," she said. "Hundreds of thousands there are standing in protest also."

(See Justin's photo gallery from the protest)

There have been multiple protests on Independence Mall since the beginning of the year as a response to the unrest in Eastern Europe.

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