1000’s of individuals rallied throughout Canada on Friday to mark one year of demise and violence since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine started.
Spearheaded by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, some 40 “Stand With Ukraine” occasions are deliberate for main cities throughout the nation, from St. John’s to Whitehorse.
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Throughout a rally in Halifax, phrase of the added tanks drew loud applause from a crowd of about 200 gathered within the metropolis’s central sq. subsequent to Metropolis Corridor.
Seventeen-year-old Polina Kozlova, a refugee who escaped town of Kherson after it was occupied, stated she got here to the ceremony to recollect Ukrainians who died – and to indicate solidarity along with her homeland, the place her dad and mom and brother nonetheless residing.
“Even supposing it’s actually chilly at this time, I really feel heat in my coronary heart and soul as a result of I’m with my individuals and I hear my mom tongue and songs, and I really feel the help of our nation,” she stated.
Just a few hundred additionally braved chilly climate in Montreal to assemble at Dorchester Sq.. Folks carrying Ukrainian flags and candles chanted and chanted in help of members of the family and associates of their homeland.
“For me it was essential (to come back right here at this time) as a result of I nonetheless have my household and associates there,” stated Vlada Polishchuk.
“I additionally went to Ukraine in November, and I noticed with my very own eyes what is going on in Ukraine. I stand right here for the youngsters I noticed in Ukraine and for girls who’ve been occupied by hell.”
Sebastien Bouffard stated that he has associates in Ukraine who he talks to day-after-day and he has grow to be conscious of the devastation the nation has endured over the previous yr.
“They ship me footage, and what Russia is doing is disgusting. Generally I cry once I see the image. I’m 100% with Ukraine.”
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In Toronto, greater than a thousand individuals marched by means of downtown earlier than taking over residence in entrance of Metropolis Corridor, with many draping or waving the Ukrainian flag whereas others donned its brilliant blue and yellow colours. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was additionally current.
Trudeau was met on the vigil by protesters who spewed offended rhetoric at him throughout his speech.
In response, he stated: “This can be a night time for Ukrainians, not for you.”
“I feel Ukrainians can let you know a bit of about freedom and liberty, so why do not you go straightforward. If you wish to stand and cheer with Ukraine, accomplish that. If you wish to fly the Ukrainian flag, please accomplish that, however let individuals have fun that Ukraine nonetheless stands and Canada stands with it.”
Ontario Premier Doug Ford known as Putin “nothing greater than a tyrant” and a “thug” and stated his conflict confirmed the energy and resilience of Ukrainians.
Protection Minister Anita Anand stated Canada started coaching Ukrainian troops in 2015 and has since skilled greater than 35,000.
“We are going to proceed. We presently have trainers in England and Poland coaching members of the Ukrainian army to battle and win this unjust and unlawful conflict,” she advised the group.
Worldwide pupil Simran Chawla, who attended the rally, stated, “It’s important to assist people who find themselves in bother … I really feel like Canada is getting that message.”
Outdoors the Alberta legislature in Edmonton, a whole lot of individuals braved the chilly to commemorate the one-year anniversary of Russia’s assault.
Tons of of individuals gathered on the Alberta Legislature in Edmonton, Alta., to commemorate the one-year anniversary of Russia’s assault on Friday, February 24, 2023.
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Ukrainians fleeing the violence and their Canadian supporters, many holding the Ukrainian flag, watched as audio system from the Ukrainian Canadian Congress shared phrases of solidarity and hope.
“They gave us three days. Three days to interrupt us,” stated one of many audio system on the rally. “… one year later, and we’re nonetheless standing. We’re nonetheless standing sturdy.”
At a information convention in Kiev on Friday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy advised reporters that extra weapons would allow Ukrainian individuals to regain their territory.
“We’re preparing. We’re prepared in spirit. And we’re getting ready by way of weapons, by way of forming assault brigades,” Zelenskyy stated by means of a translator.
The year-long battle has taken a lethal toll on the Ukrainian inhabitants, with tens of 1000’s of civilians killed and thousands and thousands extra displaced.
With weapons and coaching from NATO nations and different allies, Ukraine’s army was in a position to regain 1000’s of sq. kilometers of territory.
– With recordsdata from Michael Tutton in Halifax, Marisela Amador in Montreal, Tyler Griffin in Toronto, Angela Amato in Edmonton
© 2023 The Canadian Press
