Support for Ukraine ‘gives me hope’

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This article was published 25/02/2024 (589 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Ukrainians living in Winnipeg say ongoing solidarity from Manitobans and aid from government officials has bolstered their resolve as they mark the second anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

“It’s very important for me to have this support, and to see the support for the Ukrainian community from across Manitoba,” said Yevgeniya Tatarenko, a Ukrainian woman who was among hundreds of people gathered at a commemorative rally on Sunday.

“It gives me hope. It means that I can keep my will strong.”

The event, held within the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, was standing room only. Many in the crowd carried Ukrainian flags and signs, with some shedding tears as they listened to impassioned speeches from community leaders and Manitoba politicians.

Tatarenko, who moved to Manitoba in 2016, helped curate an exhibit of photos and anecdotes from slain and injured Ukrainian civilians and soldiers. Their stories were on display during the rally to remind those in the crowd that “the war is not over,” she said.

It was one of several events organized by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress of Manitoba on the weekend in recognition of the anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022.

“Yesterday was overwhelming,” UCC Manitoba chapter president Joanne Lewandowski said, referencing a separate gathering in which up to 400 people met for prayer services at a pair of Winnipeg churches.

Lewandowski described being nearly moved to tears Saturday as she watched the crowd gather at St. Mary the Protectress Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral before marching to the Ukrainian Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral of Sts. Volodymyr and Olha.

“It was amazing. It does show that the world, and especially Manitobans, care,” she said. “Manitobans have opened their hearts, their wallets and their homes. The generosity is beyond words and it is continuing.”

Since the Russian invasion began, Manitoba has welcomed nearly 25,000 Ukrainian refugees. Up to 7,000 more are expected to arrive before the end of March, Lewandowski said.

According to the provincial government, Manitoba has provided sanctuary to more Ukrainian refugees per capita than any other Canadian province and “continues to lead the country in providing a full range of settlement supports and services.”

Lewandowski acknowledged the efforts of senior levels of government to accommodate the influx of Ukrainians, but said the Ukrainian Congress has identified three areas of concern to better support incoming refugees.

It is calling for an increase the number of child care spaces, English language programs and jobs. Finding adequate levels of housing may also become a concern, Lewandowski said.

“The assistance is overwhelming, however, there is room for more,” she said.

The Canadian government was among a raft of countries that signed a new security agreement with Ukrainian officials over the weekend, pledging an additional $320 million in military spending before the end of the year.

Liberal MP Terry Duguid spoke during Sunday’s rally, celebrating the new deal and the resolve of Ukrainian people.

Premier Wab Kinew also took to the podium to speak, promising provincial resources will continue to flow to the embattled country “as long as is necessary.”

“Ukraine has our commitment to be there throughout the war, our commitment to be there until victory is achieved and our commitment to be there to help rebuild,” Kinew said.

Coun. Markus Chambers spoke on behalf of city council, saying Winnipeg continues to honour its relationship with its Ukrainian sister city of Lviv.

The crowd paused during the service to acknowledge the death of 25-year-old Opaskwayak Cree Nation man, Austin Lathlin-Bercier, who died fighting Russian invaders in November.

tyler.searle@freepress.mb.ca