Three years on from the illegal invasion of Ukraine by the forces of the Russian Federation, the Ukrainian diaspora has continued to rally in support of their nation, and to send messages to Canada’s political leaders.
The Calgary branch of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress held a rally of around 100 individuals at Municipal Plaza on July 14, a day ahead of the start of the G7 conference in Kananaskis.
Roman Yosyfiv, President of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress in Calgary (UCCC), said the message was about having world leaders unite together in support of Ukraine.
“This is something that Putin is actually afraid of,” Yosyfiv said.
“These rallies shows that Ukrainians are interested in independence in Ukraine—a lot of those who wants to go back to Ukraine, and a lot of those who decided to stay, of course, in Canada become their home, and do what they can.”
Yosyfiv said that as part of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s invitation to attend the G7, there was the potential for members of the UCCC to meet with him during his stay in Canada.
Details about that visit were being kept confidential for the safety of President Zelenskyy, who has faced multiple assassination plots since the invasion of Ukraine.
The invitation for the members of the UCCC to speak to President Zelenskyy had been extended several months before hand however, said Yosyfiv.
“We approached the embassy in Ottawa to connect us with a delegation from Ukraine so we can transfer to them what we do here, and what the Calgarians do for Ukraine,” he said.
“Inviting President Zelenskyy to Canada in this very important summit. It means a lot to Ukraine. It means that Canada supports Ukraine, and giving a chance for Ukraine to meet with the leaders.”
Strong words directed against Putin regime, among others
Mayor Jyoti Gondek, who alongside NDP MLA Samir Kayande were the only political leaders to attend the rally, spoke pointedly against Vladimir Putin and to current trends towards authoritarianism worldwide.
“We must stand firm and we must be vigilant, because history has shown us that democracy does not erode overnight. It erodes in those moments of hesitation, when abuses go unchecked and when we are silent, and that is why our voices matter today and every day,” said Mayor Gondek.
“I will not shrink when I am placed on a tyrants blacklist. I will be here with all of you. Calgary is a city of compassion, of resilience and of justice, and as long as I have the privilege to stand before you in this role, I will be a champion for those whose lives are threatened and for those whose voices are drowned out by violence and in fear in times of instability.”
She said that on the occasion of the UCCC meeting with President Zelenskyy, the message was that Calgary stands with Ukraine always.
“We will not waver in our support,” she said.
Kayande was even more direct in his condemnation, naming President Donald Trump alongside Putin.
“Donald Trump, he’ll be here soon for the G7. He wants to annex Canada. He wants to annex Greenland. He wants to annex Panama. He is OK with Ukraine being annexed by Putin, and it is shameful, it is wrong, and it makes us weak,” Kayande said.
“There are those in Canada who, as well, are willing to make a deal to cut Ukraine adrift, to reduce our own sovereignty.”
Yosyfiv said that there was a lesson to be learnt by Canadians from the Ukrainian experience, but also a warning.
“Ukrainians went through this already and they’ve become only stronger. You know, the Russians, they they said they were gonna take Kyiv in two–three days, and then three years later, one million soldiers of Russians have died for no reason in this, to be honest, this awful war. So Ukrainians have something to share with the Canadians,” he said.
“I love Canada with all my heart, and I will do the same for Canada as I do for Ukraine. I cheer for the [Calgary] Flames. This is my home, but my heart is true for Ukraine, because I was born there, my parents there. I hope this war will will end soon, but will end with with peace for Ukraine and independence for Ukraine.”
