Thousands rally across Canada for Ukraine on anniversary of Russia’s invasion | 24CA News

Thousands of individuals rallied throughout Canada on Friday to mark one year of loss of life and violence since Russia’s invasion started in Ukraine.

Spearheaded by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, some 40 “Stand With Ukraine” occasions had been deliberate for main cities throughout the nation, from St. John’s to Whitehorse.

During a rally in Halifax, phrase of the added tanks drew a loud spherical of applause from a crowd of about 200 gathered on the town’s central sq. subsequent to City Hall.

Seventeen-year-old Polina Kozlova, a refugee who escaped from the town of Kherson after it was occupied, mentioned she got here to the ceremony to recollect Ukrainians who’ve died — and to point out solidarity along with her homeland, the place her mother and father and brother nonetheless dwell.

“Despite the fact it’s really cold today I feel warm in my heart and my soul because I’m with my people and I’m hearing my native language and songs, and I feel the support of our nation,” she mentioned.

Just a few hundred additionally braved chilly climate in Montreal to assemble at Dorchester Square. People carrying Ukrainian flags and candles chanted and sang in assist of relations and associates of their homeland.

5:40Ukrainians in Canada mark somber battle anniversary

“For me, it was very important (to come here today) because I still have my family and friends over there,” Vlada Polishchuk mentioned.

“I also went to Ukraine in November, and I saw with my own eyes what was happening in Ukraine. I am standing here for the children I saw in Ukraine and for women who have been through hell in occupied territory.”

Sebastien Bouffard mentioned that he has associates in Ukraine whom he talks to each day and he has turn into conscious of the devastation the nation has endured over the previous 12 months.

“They send me pictures, and what Russia is doing is disgusting. Sometimes I tear up when I see the picture. I am 100 per cent with Ukraine.”

In Toronto, greater than a thousand individuals marched by means of the downtown earlier than settling in entrance of City Hall, with many draped or waving the Ukrainian flag whereas others donned its shiny blue and yellow colors. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was additionally in attendance.

Trudeau was met by protesters on the vigil spewing offended rhetoric at him throughout his speech.

In response, he mentioned: “This is a night for Ukrainians, not for you.”

“I think Ukrainians can tell you a little about freedom and liberty, so why don’t you settle down. If you want to stand and cheer with Ukraine, do that. If you want to wave the Ukrainian flag, please do, but let people celebrate that Ukraine is still standing and Canada stands with it.”

Ontario Premier Doug Ford referred to as Putin “nothing more than a tyrant” and a “thug,” and mentioned his battle has revealed the power and resilience of Ukrainians.

Defence Minister Anita Anand mentioned Canada started coaching Ukrainian troops in 2015 and has educated over 35,000 since then.

“We will keep going. We have trainers in England and Poland right now training members of the Ukrainian Armed Forces so they fight and win this unjust and illegal war,” she informed the group.

2:15Ukrainian household in Nova Scotia looking forward to future on one-year anniversary of invasion

International pupil Simran Chawla, who attended the rally, mentioned, “You’ve got to help people who are in trouble … I feel like Canada gets that message.”

Outside the Alberta legislature in Edmonton, a whole bunch of individuals braved the chilly to commemorate the one-year anniversary of Russia’s assault.

Ukrainians who fled the violence and their Canadian supporters, many holding Ukraine’s flag, seemed on as audio system from the Ukrainian Canadian Congress shared phrases of solidarity and hope.

“They gave us three days. Three days to break us,” mentioned one of many audio system on the rally. “… 365 days later, and we still stand. We still stand strong.”

In a news convention Friday in Kyiv, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy informed reporters extra weapons will permit Ukrainian individuals to regain their territory.

5:51Hundreds rally at Alberta legislature on anniversary of Russia’s invasion

“We’re getting ready. We’re ready in spirit. And we’re getting ready as far as weapons are concerned, as far as forming attack brigades are concerned,” Zelenskyy mentioned by means of a translator.

The yearlong 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 navy has been in a position to regain 1000’s of sq. kilometres of territory.

— With recordsdata from Michael Tutton in Halifax, Marisela Amador in Montreal, Tyler Griffin in Toronto, Angela Amato in Edmonton

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