![Thousands rally in Russia’s southwest to support Russian speakers in Ukraine Thousands rally in Russia’s southwest to support Russian speakers in Ukraine](https://mtic.us/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/4.si_-310x168.jpg)
Thousands gathered in the Russian cities of Novocherkassk, Bryansk, and Belgorod to support the Russian-speaking population in Ukraine. “We don’t abandon our people,” said banners held by those who sympathized with residents of the crisis-torn country.