Former U.S. Congressman urges Winnipeggers to help war-battered Ukrainians heal

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This article was published 22/08/2025 (386 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A former U.S. politician was in Winnipeg Friday to raise awareness of the ongoing trauma the war in Ukraine is inflicting, urging people here to support efforts to help the country’s battle-weary citizens heal.

David Bonior, a former U.S. Congressman, told the Free Press Winnipeg’s large Ukrainian population was one reason he chose to speak in the city.

“It’s to give hope to the people of the Ukrainian community here, especially, but (also) to broaden (the message) to other people to understand that this war was started by (Russian President Vladimir) Putin… And he’s done horrific things to children and families,” said Bonior.

The Associated Press and others have reported that Russia has taken children from Ukraine to be raised in Russia. In 2023, the International Criminal Court issued a related arrest warrant for Putin.

Bonior, who grew up in a Ukrainian-speaking home in the Detroit area, served as a Michigan Democratic party representative in the United States Congress from 1977 until 2003.

He said he felt compelled to act when Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.

“It’s something I could do. I can’t shoot a gun, I’m 80 years old…. One thing I can do is I can raise money and I can bring awareness by my writing,” he said.

During his address to about 50 people at Winnipeg city hall Friday afternoon, Bonior noted he wrote articles after visiting Ukraine but later decided he also needed to help heal the trauma he witnessed.

“I came away from (one) trip thinking that not only did we need to write about mental health, but we needed to do something about it,” he said.

He said he’s helped raise more than $100,000 to support Ukrainian organizations since May. Most of the groups involved provide therapy for children and war veterans; one also provides resources to soldiers.

He said anyone interested in donating to the cause can give to the Ukrainian Charitable Platform, noting the Bonior appeal for PTSD in children and veterans.

Since Russia’s invasion, he has twice visited Lviv, Winnipeg’s sister city in Ukraine, along with other areas, and plans to return to the country next month.

Bonior said he hopes governments around the world will take a tough stance against Russian aggression.

He also urged Winnipeggers to pay attention to the war’s impact, which could be around for a long time.

“I’m not growing weary but it’s pretty dark out there. I don’t see a path (to peace) as long as Putin is around,” said Bonior.

Coun. Brian Mayes (St. Vital), who co-hosted the event with the Canadian International Council, said he hopes it will help raise Winnipeggers’ awareness about the ongoing invasion and its impact on Lviv and other Ukrainian centres.

“The war has dragged on now and people are tired of it. It just needs some awareness, some reminders that the war is still ongoing. We should still be supporting Ukraine,” Mayes said. “And there are a lot of people out there who are going to have longer-term issues once this war is finally over.”

The councillor said he’s glad to highlight Bonior’s “noble” goal to help Ukrainians cope with post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health concerns.

U.S. President Donald Trump met with Putin earlier this month in a so-far unsuccessful attempt to broker a peace deal.

— With files from the Associated Press

joyanne.pursaga@freepress.mb.ca

X: @joyanne_pursaga