‘No rhyme or reason’: Ukrainian refugee slain in Elmwood random attack By: Chris Kitching Posted: 12:33 PM CST Friday, Dec. 22, 2023 Last Modified: 11:01 AM CST Monday, Jan. 26, 2026 Updates

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A Ukrainian refugee who came to Winnipeg for a better life with his wife and two children was stabbed to death Wednesday in a random attack while walking to work.

Manitobans are rallying around the family of Ivan Rubanik, 46, which is reeling after police said he was stabbed by a stranger at Watt Street and Talbot Avenue in the Elmwood neighbourhood.

“She’s having a hard time believing,” said Joanne Lewandoski, president of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress — Manitoba provincial council, after comforting Rubanik’s wife, Yuliia, Friday afternoon.

“They can’t believe this has happened here for no reason. It’s so sad to see — somebody as innocent as can be.”

Rubanik and his family moved to Winnipeg about eight months ago, escaping a war that began when Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.

“They were looking for a safe place to live, a safe place to raise their children,” Winnipeg Police Service spokesman Const. Jason Michalyshen said Friday.

“Now, they’re left alone without a husband, a father, (with) a lack of financial support and, really, without a true understanding on how to live further with their loss and certainly with a country they’re still learning a lot about.”

Ethan Richard Gladu, 19, is charged with second-degree murder.

At the time of the slaying, Gladu was on bail and facing assault and weapons charges for alleged incidents in April and September. His bail conditions included requirements he observe a nightly curfew and not possess any weapons.

“They were looking for a safe place to live, a safe place to raise their children.”–Const. Jason Michalyshen

Friends said his 17-year-old brother was fatally stabbed at the McPhillips Street underpass in September 2018.

Michalyshen described Wednesday’s slaying, less than a week before Christmas, as unprovoked and senseless.

“There is no rhyme or reason to this incident, based on our investigation,” he said at a news conference. “This is certainly a tragedy, this time of year, that is unmeasurable.”

Michalyshen said there is no evidence the victim and suspect spoke beforehand, nor that a motive was robbery, given nothing was taken from Rubanik.

There is no indication Rubanik was attacked because he is a newcomer, added Michalyshen, noting it appeared to be a “wrong place, wrong time scenario.”

“There is no rhyme or reason to this incident, based on our investigation. This is certainly a tragedy, this time of year, that is unmeasurable.”–Const. Jason Michalyshen

“This isn’t about putting or placing fear into anyone,” he said. “We want to acknowledge what’s happened. We also want to provide reassurance that, as a police service, we are going to react, we’re going to respond and hold people accountable for their actions.”

Mayor Scott Gillingham offered his condolences to the family and the Ukrainian community at large.

“The news is infuriating. This random act of violence is reprehensible. Repeat violent offenders who pose a danger to our community should not be on our streets,” he said.

Premier Wab Kinew issued a statement:  “Manitoba should be a place where every person can live a safe, happy life. This was a tragedy and I send my condolences to his family and the Ukrainian community. Those responsible for this injustice must be held accountable.”

One of Rubanik’s co-workers set up a GoFundMe page to raise money for the man’s wife and children. About $30,000 had been raised, as of Friday afternoon.

His widow, who works at a local meat processing plant, is grateful for the support, said Lewandoski.

“We, as a community, are here to support the widow and the two children and we will do everything in our power to help them through this difficult time and grieving.”

Lewandoski said the couple’s children are high school students. Family members in Ukraine, including Rubanik’s mother, have been informed of the slaying, she added.

“I felt that something happened to him. We always told him to be careful, especially on Talbot.”–Yuliia Rubanik, victim’s wife

Rubanik was on his way to his job as an assembler at Westward Industries, which makes electric utility vehicles, when he was attacked at about 8 a.m.

Co-worker and friend Carlota Lara said he had never missed a shift, which meant colleagues were worried when he failed to arrive. Rubanik didn’t respond when she called and sent text messages.

“I felt that something happened to him,” she said. “We always told him to be careful, especially on Talbot.”

Staff were devastated when Rubanik’s wife showed up at the Archibald Street business Thursday morning to give the company the news.

“He was an extremely good person, hard worker, smart guy, kind,” Westward owner Chris Franz said. “He was very adaptive… He was not happy about leaving Ukraine, but he wanted to give it a good go in Canada and provide a better life, or at least a more peaceful life, for his kids.”

Rubanik’s wife was unable to provide much detail in the wake of the tragedy, he added.

“They chose Manitoba for security and safety and a new home. It’s unfortunate that this happened.”–Joanne Lewandoski, President of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress

“She told us that the police had told her that Ivan had died in hospital and she didn’t really know why or what happened and was waiting to find out more,” Franz said. “You just don’t think it’s going to happen to anybody so close to you and then it does.

“It was just such a meaningless loss.”

Lara trained Rubanik when he was hired in April. An electrical engineer when he was in Ukraine, Rubanik was shy and quiet at first, because he spoke little English, but was taking lessons, she said.

“He was a very nice person,” Lara said. “I encouraged him to talk with us to practice his English.”

After the attack, the suspect fled on foot and was arrested on the 100 block of Henry Avenue about three hours later, police said.

“Clearly, we have an individual who is putting members of our community at risk to this level,” Michalyshen said. “Clearly, there are some issues with respect to making good decisions.”

Gladu was convicted in December 2022 for possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and failing to comply with a court order requiring him not possess weapons. He received 12 months of supervised probation.

Wednesday’s slaying marks Winnipeg’s 41st homicide of 2023.

“We’ve had a lot of tragedies like this throughout the year,” said Michalyshen. “There are 40 (other) families that are going to be spending Christmas without loved ones as a result of a homicide this year. We have to keep them in our thoughts, as well.”

Yuri Yarmolchik, who has lived in Winnipeg for about seven years, has been supporting Ukrainian war refugees as they settle in the city. Some have been assaulted, robbed or threatened while walking or waiting for a bus, he said.

“There are 40 (other) families that are going to be spending Christmas without loved ones as a result of a homicide this year.”–Const. Jason Michalyshen

“One got hit in the head with a heavy object and had his phone stolen. I’m in shock about what’s going on,” said Yarmolchik, a real estate agent who communicated with Rubanik on social media but never met him in person.

He said greater efforts are needed to make Winnipeg safer for everyone. Otherwise, newcomers could leave for other cities, he added.

On July 1, 2022, two men from Ukraine were attacked while attending Canada Day festivities. One was stabbed, leaving them afraid for their safety in Winnipeg. One of the men subsequently moved to rural Manitoba.

City police need to focus more resources on violent street crime, Franz said.

“As a business owner with employees, I would love to see more law enforcement out there dealing with crime, not handing out speeding tickets and parking tickets, but dealing with crime and violent crime.”

— with files from Dean Pritchard and Joyanne Pursaga

chris.kitching@freepress.mb.ca