Demonstrations in solidarity with Ukraine held across Canada on Saturday & Sunday
Sun., February 27, 2022
People in downtown Toronto waved Ukrainian flags on Sunday as they protested against the Russian invasion of Ukraine. (Lorenda Reddekopp/CBC - image credit)
Demonstrations were held in more Canadian cities to show of solidarity with Ukraine on Sunday, which marked the fourth day of Russia's wide-ranging invasion.
Russia's ongoing attack has prompted condemnation by many world leaders and triggered a raft of sanctions.
Many Canadians gathered on Saturday as well to show their support for Ukraine. Protests against Russia's invasion have been held around the world in recent days — including in Russia itself, where police cracked down on protesters.
Thousands of people marched in downtown Toronto on Sunday afternoon to protest the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Grant Linton/CBC
The event, billed as "Mega March for Ukraine," was organized by the Toronto branch of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress.
Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, who represents Toronto's University—Rosedale riding federally, was among those attending the rally.
During the march, the crowd chanted: "Stand with Ukraine!"
In Hamilton, hundreds attended a solidarity rally where people waved Ukrainian flags and held signs calling for the world to "stand with Ukraine" as people driving by showed their support by honking.
Dan Taekema/CBC
Thousands of Ottawa residents gathered outside the Russian Embassy in Sandy Hill on Sunday to stand united with Ukrainians and protest Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Justin Tang/The Canadian Press
Afterwards, they marched through the city's downtown core.
Kimberley Molina/CBC
The colours of the Ukrainian flag were later projected onto the Peace Tower on Sunday evening.
Justin Tang/The Canadian Press
Hundreds gathered in Kitchener-Waterloo on Sunday, as many Ukrainian-Canadians in the area grew increasingly worried about their loved ones caught in the conflict.
Sophia Gryshchenko, whose extended family lives in Kyiv and in western Ukraine, said the last several days have been extremely difficult.
"It's just scary every day to be like 'will they answer me the next day?'" she said.
"It's been hard to focus on school right now and to get everything done. Sometimes it's just hard to even believe and to process that it's happening in the 21st century because it shouldn't be happening."
Sarah Sears/CBC
In Eastern Canada, a gathering in Charlottetown saw scores of people meet at city hall Sunday morning to take part in a rally to show support for Ukraine.
Hala Ghonaim/CBC
Some carried signs that read "Stop War" or "Stand With Ukraine." A group of children waved the Ukrainian national flag and cars honked their horns as they drove by.
Sheehan Desjardins/CBC News
"Usually it makes me cry when I see that someone not from Ukraine shows their support," said Olexsandra Bezruchko, who is from Ukraine and attended the rally.
"My relatives are still there.... They're scared because they're seeking shelter right now instead of just having a great, wonderful Sunday."
In Quebec, there was an outpouring of continued support for Ukraine at a rally in downtown Montreal on Sunday. It was the fourth day in a row that Montrealers had come out to protest in opposition of the invasion.
Demonstrators had previously gathered outside the Russian consulate in Montreal.
Sheehan Desjardins/CBC News
"Most people here have family in Ukraine and we need to congregate and stay together in our own community to show support to one another," said Michael Shwec, the president of the Canadian Ukrainian Congress.
"We're calling on all governments of the world to support creating a n- fly zone over Ukraine."
Valeria Cori-Manocchio/CBC
In the Prairies, protesters showed their support for Ukraine at rally in Saskatoon on Sunday.
Graham Hughes/The Canadian Press
Demonstrators gathered in Edmonton as well.
Trevor Bothorel/CBC
In British Columbia, about 150 people in Prince George gathered on the city hall steps on Sunday as part of a rally organized by St. George's Ukrainian Church.
The people gathered heard from Mayor Lyn Hall, members of local First Nations communities and shared songs and prayers for those in Ukraine.
Trevor Bothorel/CBC
In northern Canada, demonstrators congregated in downtown Whitehorse, flying Ukrainian flags and holding up signs.
Jason Franson/The Canadian Press
Svitlana Koptyeva, the organizer of the Sunday demonstration, came to Canada from Ukraine10 years ago.
She said these are extremely difficult times as her brother and mother still live in Ukraine.
"I feel scared for them," she said. "This is something that everybody kind of knew would happen, but never believed it actually would."
Jason Franson/The Canadian Press
The ongoing demonstrations taking place in Canada echo the sentiments of those opposing the war around the globe.
In Russia, police detained more than 2,000 people at anti-war protests in 48 cities across the country on Sunday, a protest monitoring group said.
Sun., February 27, 2022
People in downtown Toronto waved Ukrainian flags on Sunday as they protested against the Russian invasion of Ukraine. (Lorenda Reddekopp/CBC - image credit)
Demonstrations were held in more Canadian cities to show of solidarity with Ukraine on Sunday, which marked the fourth day of Russia's wide-ranging invasion.
Russia's ongoing attack has prompted condemnation by many world leaders and triggered a raft of sanctions.
Many Canadians gathered on Saturday as well to show their support for Ukraine. Protests against Russia's invasion have been held around the world in recent days — including in Russia itself, where police cracked down on protesters.
Thousands of people marched in downtown Toronto on Sunday afternoon to protest the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Grant Linton/CBC
The event, billed as "Mega March for Ukraine," was organized by the Toronto branch of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress.
Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, who represents Toronto's University—Rosedale riding federally, was among those attending the rally.
During the march, the crowd chanted: "Stand with Ukraine!"
In Hamilton, hundreds attended a solidarity rally where people waved Ukrainian flags and held signs calling for the world to "stand with Ukraine" as people driving by showed their support by honking.
Dan Taekema/CBC
Thousands of Ottawa residents gathered outside the Russian Embassy in Sandy Hill on Sunday to stand united with Ukrainians and protest Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Justin Tang/The Canadian Press
Afterwards, they marched through the city's downtown core.
Kimberley Molina/CBC
The colours of the Ukrainian flag were later projected onto the Peace Tower on Sunday evening.
Justin Tang/The Canadian Press
Hundreds gathered in Kitchener-Waterloo on Sunday, as many Ukrainian-Canadians in the area grew increasingly worried about their loved ones caught in the conflict.
Sophia Gryshchenko, whose extended family lives in Kyiv and in western Ukraine, said the last several days have been extremely difficult.
"It's just scary every day to be like 'will they answer me the next day?'" she said.
"It's been hard to focus on school right now and to get everything done. Sometimes it's just hard to even believe and to process that it's happening in the 21st century because it shouldn't be happening."
Sarah Sears/CBC
In Eastern Canada, a gathering in Charlottetown saw scores of people meet at city hall Sunday morning to take part in a rally to show support for Ukraine.
Hala Ghonaim/CBC
Some carried signs that read "Stop War" or "Stand With Ukraine." A group of children waved the Ukrainian national flag and cars honked their horns as they drove by.
Sheehan Desjardins/CBC News
"Usually it makes me cry when I see that someone not from Ukraine shows their support," said Olexsandra Bezruchko, who is from Ukraine and attended the rally.
"My relatives are still there.... They're scared because they're seeking shelter right now instead of just having a great, wonderful Sunday."
In Quebec, there was an outpouring of continued support for Ukraine at a rally in downtown Montreal on Sunday. It was the fourth day in a row that Montrealers had come out to protest in opposition of the invasion.
Demonstrators had previously gathered outside the Russian consulate in Montreal.
Sheehan Desjardins/CBC News
"Most people here have family in Ukraine and we need to congregate and stay together in our own community to show support to one another," said Michael Shwec, the president of the Canadian Ukrainian Congress.
"We're calling on all governments of the world to support creating a n- fly zone over Ukraine."
Valeria Cori-Manocchio/CBC
In the Prairies, protesters showed their support for Ukraine at rally in Saskatoon on Sunday.
Graham Hughes/The Canadian Press
Demonstrators gathered in Edmonton as well.
Trevor Bothorel/CBC
In British Columbia, about 150 people in Prince George gathered on the city hall steps on Sunday as part of a rally organized by St. George's Ukrainian Church.
The people gathered heard from Mayor Lyn Hall, members of local First Nations communities and shared songs and prayers for those in Ukraine.
Trevor Bothorel/CBC
In northern Canada, demonstrators congregated in downtown Whitehorse, flying Ukrainian flags and holding up signs.
Jason Franson/The Canadian Press
Svitlana Koptyeva, the organizer of the Sunday demonstration, came to Canada from Ukraine10 years ago.
She said these are extremely difficult times as her brother and mother still live in Ukraine.
"I feel scared for them," she said. "This is something that everybody kind of knew would happen, but never believed it actually would."
Jason Franson/The Canadian Press
The ongoing demonstrations taking place in Canada echo the sentiments of those opposing the war around the globe.
In Russia, police detained more than 2,000 people at anti-war protests in 48 cities across the country on Sunday, a protest monitoring group said.
Protests denouncing the invasion of Ukraine ongoing in Montreal this weekend
Sun., February 27, 2022
Montrealers have come out to protest the invasion of the country for four days in a row now, with many gathering at Place du Canada on Sunday afternoon. (Valeria Cori-Manocchio/CBC - image credit)
On Sunday protests in solidarity with Ukraine continued in Montreal as the invasion of the country by Russian forces entered its fourth day — a move that has prompted condemnation by many world leaders and a raft of sanctions.
It's also the fourth day in a row that Montrealers have come out to protest in opposition of the invasion, with many gathering at Place du Canada on Sunday afternoon.
"Most people here have family in Ukraine and we need to congregate and stay together in our own community to show support to one another," said Michael Shwec, the president of the Canadian Ukrainian Congress.
"We're calling on all governments of the world to support creating a no fly zone over Ukraine."
Valeria Cori-Manocchio
Many in attendance at the protest Sunday also attended mass at the Ukrainian Catholic Parish Of The Assumption Of Blessed Virgin Mary in Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie.
In his homily that morning, Reverend Ihor Oshchipko focused on the importance of forgiving even our enemies in times of war.
"It's not easy," he said. "But as Christians, we must do so."
Thirteen-year-old Earoslave Keseleuk attended the mass with his family, and took the time to pray for his grandparents who remain in Ukraine.
Rowan Kennedy
"I'm very scared because my family and friends are all in Ukraine, hiding in their houses and wherever they can," he said.
Attacks from Russia escalated on Sunday when missiles launched from Belarus hit an airport in Zhytomyr in northern Ukraine, an adviser to Ukraine's interior minister said. Earlier in the day an oil terminal and gas pipeline were set ablaze.
CBC News
Ukrainian forces also battled Russian troops on the streets on Kharkiv Sunday, a key northeastern city of 1.4 million not far from the Russian border, while the capital of Kyiv imposed a strict 39-hour curfew in anticipation of a full-scale Russian assault.
Throughout the weekend the chants of "Shame on Putin, shame on Russia!" could also be heard from the Russian consulate office in Montreal.
On Saturday, protesters threw red dye on the snow facing the office to draw attention those who will die as a result of the invasion by Russian soldiers.
Rowan Kennedy
Marina Monossova, who was born in Moscow, said she's having a difficult time processing what has been happening over the past few days since the invasion began.
"I have the need to express what's in my heart," she said Saturday outside the consulate. "It's a feeling of rage, of shame, of guilt… It's hard to express."
She moved to Canada after President Vladimir Putin came into power, and never supported his presidency. She never expected Russia would move to invade the country.
"I really believed in the future of my country," she said. "It came by surprise, a horrible surprise."
Rowan Kennedy
Yulia Belyaykova, another attendant at the Russian consulate Saturday who was raised in Moscow, said she's ashamed and angry to see what's happened.
"For me we are one piece, one nation," she said, emphasizing Putin's actions don't represent the citizen's of either countries.
"We share the same deep roots," she said.
She's worried that regardless of what sanctions are taken, Russia will not be stopped.
"We're powerless, we're only united in our protest. That's what makes me devastated," she said.
On Sunday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced a delegation would be meeting Russian officials for talks at an unspecified location on the Belarusian border. The Kremlin said talks had started Sunday.
Thomas Peter/Reuters
More than 368,000 Ukrainian refugees have crossed into neighbouring countries since the launch of the invasion on Thursday, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi wrote in a recent tweet.
The mayor confirmed to AP that nine civilians in the capital Kyiv had been killed so far, including one child. Ukraine's Interior Ministry said Sunday that 352 civilians have been killed, including 14 children.
Sun., February 27, 2022
Montrealers have come out to protest the invasion of the country for four days in a row now, with many gathering at Place du Canada on Sunday afternoon. (Valeria Cori-Manocchio/CBC - image credit)
On Sunday protests in solidarity with Ukraine continued in Montreal as the invasion of the country by Russian forces entered its fourth day — a move that has prompted condemnation by many world leaders and a raft of sanctions.
It's also the fourth day in a row that Montrealers have come out to protest in opposition of the invasion, with many gathering at Place du Canada on Sunday afternoon.
"Most people here have family in Ukraine and we need to congregate and stay together in our own community to show support to one another," said Michael Shwec, the president of the Canadian Ukrainian Congress.
"We're calling on all governments of the world to support creating a no fly zone over Ukraine."
Valeria Cori-Manocchio
Many in attendance at the protest Sunday also attended mass at the Ukrainian Catholic Parish Of The Assumption Of Blessed Virgin Mary in Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie.
In his homily that morning, Reverend Ihor Oshchipko focused on the importance of forgiving even our enemies in times of war.
"It's not easy," he said. "But as Christians, we must do so."
Thirteen-year-old Earoslave Keseleuk attended the mass with his family, and took the time to pray for his grandparents who remain in Ukraine.
Rowan Kennedy
"I'm very scared because my family and friends are all in Ukraine, hiding in their houses and wherever they can," he said.
Attacks from Russia escalated on Sunday when missiles launched from Belarus hit an airport in Zhytomyr in northern Ukraine, an adviser to Ukraine's interior minister said. Earlier in the day an oil terminal and gas pipeline were set ablaze.
CBC News
Ukrainian forces also battled Russian troops on the streets on Kharkiv Sunday, a key northeastern city of 1.4 million not far from the Russian border, while the capital of Kyiv imposed a strict 39-hour curfew in anticipation of a full-scale Russian assault.
Throughout the weekend the chants of "Shame on Putin, shame on Russia!" could also be heard from the Russian consulate office in Montreal.
On Saturday, protesters threw red dye on the snow facing the office to draw attention those who will die as a result of the invasion by Russian soldiers.
Rowan Kennedy
Marina Monossova, who was born in Moscow, said she's having a difficult time processing what has been happening over the past few days since the invasion began.
"I have the need to express what's in my heart," she said Saturday outside the consulate. "It's a feeling of rage, of shame, of guilt… It's hard to express."
She moved to Canada after President Vladimir Putin came into power, and never supported his presidency. She never expected Russia would move to invade the country.
"I really believed in the future of my country," she said. "It came by surprise, a horrible surprise."
Rowan Kennedy
Yulia Belyaykova, another attendant at the Russian consulate Saturday who was raised in Moscow, said she's ashamed and angry to see what's happened.
"For me we are one piece, one nation," she said, emphasizing Putin's actions don't represent the citizen's of either countries.
"We share the same deep roots," she said.
She's worried that regardless of what sanctions are taken, Russia will not be stopped.
"We're powerless, we're only united in our protest. That's what makes me devastated," she said.
On Sunday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced a delegation would be meeting Russian officials for talks at an unspecified location on the Belarusian border. The Kremlin said talks had started Sunday.
Thomas Peter/Reuters
More than 368,000 Ukrainian refugees have crossed into neighbouring countries since the launch of the invasion on Thursday, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi wrote in a recent tweet.
The mayor confirmed to AP that nine civilians in the capital Kyiv had been killed so far, including one child. Ukraine's Interior Ministry said Sunday that 352 civilians have been killed, including 14 children.
Sun., February 27, 2022
Protesters with their hands painted red demonstrate outside the Russian embassy in Ottawa against that country's invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 26, 2022. (Nafi Alibert/Radio-Canada - image credit)
Nafi Alibert/Radio-Canada
Elena Luckman talks to her family in Ukraine daily while she still can, knowing that one day — if critical infrastructure goes down — she may not be able to reach them.
"It just absolutely makes no sense. So we're here to support the spirit of Ukrainian people to fight," said Luckman, one of dozens of people who turned out Saturday night for a candlelight vigil at the Ukrainian Embassy.
All weekend, Ottawans have been expressing their anger at Russia and its president, Vladimir Putin, following last week's invasion of the eastern European country.
On both Saturday and Sunday, hundreds of people wearing the thick blue and yellow stripes of the Ukrainian flag gathered in front of the Russian Embassy, waving protest signs and offering support for Ukraine and its beleaguered citizens.
Some were originally from Kyiv, with family members still in the Ukrainian capital. They changed slogans like "Vladimir Putin, hands off Ukraine" and "Long live Ukraine" as passing cars honked in solidarity.
"It is hard for us to be here and not to be able to help them in any way, [other than] with our own love and support," said Irena Abramova, who described how family members back in Ukraine were in hiding every night.
"I'm afraid that my people will die."
Justin Tang/The Canadian Press
'Shreds of hope'
Sunday's protest saw hundreds gathered at the embassy before marching the two kilometres to Ottawa City Hall, where they unveiled a giant Ukrainian flag on the grounds.
"It's really tough," said Borys Bilaniuk, who has friends in Kyiv. "They show me videos of rockets, bombs exploding and gunfire."
He and his mother, Miroslawa, both say Ukraine is still their homeland and they felt they had to show their support somehow.
They said they both stay up until midnight, when the sun rises in Ukraine, to speak with their family.
"They're just telling us that they're surviving. They're holding on. They're full of hope that it will go away. They're just holding to the ... shreds of hope," said Miroslawa.
Nafi Alibert/Radio-Canada
An uncertain future
The night before, dozens of people like Luckman stood in the brisk cold outside the Ukrainian Embassy on Somerset Street W.
People sang while they lit candles in front of the embassy, where some said prayers in front of a makeshift altar.
Luckman said when she calls home these days, she hears sirens going off. Her family frequently has to seek shelter underground, she said.
"It's super scary and devastating. So we're not sure what's going to happen tomorrow," she said.
"Every night I can hardly sleep. and every morning I wake up with anxiety trying to get a hold of them, because I don't know."
Kimberley Molina/CBC
Yukoners show solidarity with Ukraine through large downtown demonstration on Sunday
Sun., February 27, 2022
Over 200 residents gathered in downtown Whitehorse to protest against Russia's invasion of Ukraine. (Kanina Holmes/CBC - image credit)
Natalya Spassova of Whitehorse said her mom is a survivor from the Second World War, she was a five-year-old living in the Ukraine when it started in 1939. Now in 2022, she is still living in the Ukraine, and facing another war as Russia invades her homeland.
"I remember in her birthday parties she always said 'I hope we always see the clear skies.' We never understood what [it meant]," Spassova said of her mother.
Spassova said she feels as though she has no energy, but she's still trying to help her family overseas. Along with her mother, her brothers, nieces and nephews also live in the Ukraine and the invasion has become part of their everyday life.
"And now my family calls me every day, every half an hour, and they're saying there's shooting, bombing, shooting, bombing, tanks. And it's just horrifying," she said.
"I hope the Canadian government and the Yukon government can help us bring our families."
Kanina Holmes/CBC
Spassova was one of the 200 people who gathered on Sunday in front of the Prospectors Spirit Statue in Whitehorse, Yukon to show support for the Ukrainian people who are battling against the Russian invasion, which began on Thursday.
Some people were holding Ukrainian flags, others held blue and yellow signs asking for love and peace, while others held signs denouncing Russian President Vladimir Putin's actions.
Sissi De Flaviis/CBC
Svitlana Koptyeva, the organizer of the Sunday demonstration, moved to Canada 10 years ago. She was born and raised in the Ukraine.
For her, these are extremely difficult times as her brother and mom still live in the Ukraine.
"I feel scared for them," she said. "This is something that everybody kind of knew would happen, but never believed it actually would."
Koptyeva said she cannot stop checking her phone during the day to see if she has received any updates from her relatives.
"I received a message from my brother and he's like, 'oh, I'm sleeping on a bus stop today' in the middle of winter with no electricity and no heating. And it just kind of breaks everyone's heart," she said.
Kanina Holmes/CBC
Koptyeva said people don't need to have strong personal connection to care about what's happening in Ukraine.
She also hopes the solidarity demonstration brings awareness to people who might not know about the invasion.
"When something happens really fast, sometimes you're kind of out of the loop and you don't even know because it happened so fast. A person [walking by] wanted to know what's going on and he didn't know Russia invaded Ukraine," Koptyeva said.
As the main organizer of the event, she said she wanted to show people back in the Ukraine that they have support, "not only overseas, but in the far north."
Sissi De Flaviis/CBC
Supporting people in Ukraine
Spassova said she's helping her family by sending money.
"I hope they can receive it because everything shut down, banks shut down, everything is crazy there," she said.
Another way she's supporting them, is by calling them constantly.
The Yukon's sole internet provider, Northwestel, announced on Friday it would be waiving long-distance charges for calls to Ukraine until March 31.
'It's a total nightmare'
Several people walked to the front of the semi-circle rally on Main Street to share a few words about their family's situation.
"I never thought that in my lifetime we'd experience such events that we are seeing unfold today. It's a total nightmare," said one of the people in attendance.
Kanina Holmes/CBC
Politicians who were in attendance also shared a few words.
Ranj Pillai, the minister of Economic Development of Tourism and Culture, announced during the rally he had made a request to expedite refugee assistance efforts.
"We've asked to have one of our existing refugee programs expanded so we can quickly move people from the Ukraine into Canada as quickly as possible if they're seeking safe haven, especially family members of the Canadian community here," he told CBC News.
I received a message from my brother and he's like, 'oh, I'm sleeping on a bus stop today' in the middle of winter with no electricity and no heating. And it just kind of breaks everyone's heart, - Svitlana Koptyeva, demonstration organizer
City councillor Jocelyn Curteanu spoke on behalf of the city saying it stands in support of Ukraine.
"It is very important to make sure everyone has the right to live free, to live safe, and to feel secure in the country they are in, where they are from… And we welcome any Ukrainian that wants to come into Canada," she said.
Louise Hardy, a former member of parliament, was also in attendance.
"I grew up and lived in the Yukon when we had to be very vigilant about the Arctic and our sovereignty. Under these conditions none of us are now safe, we are all vulnerable, and we need and must stand with the people of Ukraine and their incredible courage that they are showing to us," she said.
"We do all truly stand together, no matter what political party is in power. We are Canadians and we support our multicultural heritage."
The United Nations said it has confirmed at least 240 civilian casualties, including at least 64 people killed, in the fighting in Ukraine that erupted since Russia's invasion on Thursday — though it believed the "real figures are considerably higher" because many reports of casualties remain to be confirmed.
Sissi De Flaviis/CBC
Sun., February 27, 2022
Over 200 residents gathered in downtown Whitehorse to protest against Russia's invasion of Ukraine. (Kanina Holmes/CBC - image credit)
Natalya Spassova of Whitehorse said her mom is a survivor from the Second World War, she was a five-year-old living in the Ukraine when it started in 1939. Now in 2022, she is still living in the Ukraine, and facing another war as Russia invades her homeland.
"I remember in her birthday parties she always said 'I hope we always see the clear skies.' We never understood what [it meant]," Spassova said of her mother.
Spassova said she feels as though she has no energy, but she's still trying to help her family overseas. Along with her mother, her brothers, nieces and nephews also live in the Ukraine and the invasion has become part of their everyday life.
"And now my family calls me every day, every half an hour, and they're saying there's shooting, bombing, shooting, bombing, tanks. And it's just horrifying," she said.
"I hope the Canadian government and the Yukon government can help us bring our families."
Kanina Holmes/CBC
Spassova was one of the 200 people who gathered on Sunday in front of the Prospectors Spirit Statue in Whitehorse, Yukon to show support for the Ukrainian people who are battling against the Russian invasion, which began on Thursday.
Some people were holding Ukrainian flags, others held blue and yellow signs asking for love and peace, while others held signs denouncing Russian President Vladimir Putin's actions.
Sissi De Flaviis/CBC
Svitlana Koptyeva, the organizer of the Sunday demonstration, moved to Canada 10 years ago. She was born and raised in the Ukraine.
For her, these are extremely difficult times as her brother and mom still live in the Ukraine.
"I feel scared for them," she said. "This is something that everybody kind of knew would happen, but never believed it actually would."
Koptyeva said she cannot stop checking her phone during the day to see if she has received any updates from her relatives.
"I received a message from my brother and he's like, 'oh, I'm sleeping on a bus stop today' in the middle of winter with no electricity and no heating. And it just kind of breaks everyone's heart," she said.
Kanina Holmes/CBC
Koptyeva said people don't need to have strong personal connection to care about what's happening in Ukraine.
She also hopes the solidarity demonstration brings awareness to people who might not know about the invasion.
"When something happens really fast, sometimes you're kind of out of the loop and you don't even know because it happened so fast. A person [walking by] wanted to know what's going on and he didn't know Russia invaded Ukraine," Koptyeva said.
As the main organizer of the event, she said she wanted to show people back in the Ukraine that they have support, "not only overseas, but in the far north."
Sissi De Flaviis/CBC
Supporting people in Ukraine
Spassova said she's helping her family by sending money.
"I hope they can receive it because everything shut down, banks shut down, everything is crazy there," she said.
Another way she's supporting them, is by calling them constantly.
The Yukon's sole internet provider, Northwestel, announced on Friday it would be waiving long-distance charges for calls to Ukraine until March 31.
'It's a total nightmare'
Several people walked to the front of the semi-circle rally on Main Street to share a few words about their family's situation.
"I never thought that in my lifetime we'd experience such events that we are seeing unfold today. It's a total nightmare," said one of the people in attendance.
Kanina Holmes/CBC
Politicians who were in attendance also shared a few words.
Ranj Pillai, the minister of Economic Development of Tourism and Culture, announced during the rally he had made a request to expedite refugee assistance efforts.
"We've asked to have one of our existing refugee programs expanded so we can quickly move people from the Ukraine into Canada as quickly as possible if they're seeking safe haven, especially family members of the Canadian community here," he told CBC News.
I received a message from my brother and he's like, 'oh, I'm sleeping on a bus stop today' in the middle of winter with no electricity and no heating. And it just kind of breaks everyone's heart, - Svitlana Koptyeva, demonstration organizer
City councillor Jocelyn Curteanu spoke on behalf of the city saying it stands in support of Ukraine.
"It is very important to make sure everyone has the right to live free, to live safe, and to feel secure in the country they are in, where they are from… And we welcome any Ukrainian that wants to come into Canada," she said.
Louise Hardy, a former member of parliament, was also in attendance.
"I grew up and lived in the Yukon when we had to be very vigilant about the Arctic and our sovereignty. Under these conditions none of us are now safe, we are all vulnerable, and we need and must stand with the people of Ukraine and their incredible courage that they are showing to us," she said.
"We do all truly stand together, no matter what political party is in power. We are Canadians and we support our multicultural heritage."
The United Nations said it has confirmed at least 240 civilian casualties, including at least 64 people killed, in the fighting in Ukraine that erupted since Russia's invasion on Thursday — though it believed the "real figures are considerably higher" because many reports of casualties remain to be confirmed.
Sissi De Flaviis/CBC
Islanders gather in Charlottetown to show support for Ukraine
Sun., February 27, 2022
The rally in P.E.I. on Sunday included speeches and a flag raising. (Sheehan Desjardins/CBC News - image credit)
Grace Biswas hasn't slept much in the last few days.
"I received messages from my friends every day — audio messages with tears in their voice as they're trying to flee the country," said the 23-year-old who grew up in Kyiv, Ukraine.
"It breaks my heart."
On Sunday morning, Biswas arrived at Charlottetown city hall. A rally had been organized to show support for Ukraine after Russia launched an invasion late last week.
To her amazement, a large crowd slowly trickled in.
"I was very surprised about how many people actually came and showed their support," she said, noting that many were Islanders who had no direct connection to Ukraine.
"They also came and they listened and they were spreading the word as well. That means a lot."
'They're scared'
Some carried signs that read "Stop War" or "Stand With Ukraine." A group of children waved the country's national flag and cars honked their horns as they drove by.
"Usually it makes me cry when I see that someone not from Ukraine shows their support," said Olexsandra Bezruchko, who is from Ukraine.
"My relatives are still there.... They're scared because they're seeking shelter right now instead of just having a great, wonderful Sunday."
Sheehan Desjardins/CBC News
Members of the community also gave speeches during the event. In the crowd, some cried while others listened in silence.
"We wish it was just a terrifying dream but unfortunately it's the truth," said one speaker.
"We will never give up. We, Ukrainians, stand before you to show our faith and courage," said another.
'We stand with Ukraine'
A flag-raising ceremony followed the speeches. As the Ukrainian national anthem played loudly in downtown Charlottetown, the country's flag was raised outside the government building.
"We're ashamed, [we're] embarrassed and we are very guilty in front of all Ukraine people and we feel not just sorry, but we are very guilty," said Maria Skrigolovskaya, who is from Moscow.
Sheehan Desjardins/CBC News
Almost in tears, Skrigolovskaya spoke to CBC News making clear she supports Ukraine and so do family members still in Russia.
"My mom sent me this morning, only one message: 'Maria, please tell every Ukrainian person whom you know there and beyond that we are sorry, we failed. And we stand with Ukraine.'"
'My heart aches'
Back in Charlottetown, the crowd raised their signs and walked together down the street.
But the fight is not over yet.
Sheehan Desjardins/CBC News
Moving forward, both Biswas and Bezruchko plan to stay in touch with their friends and family back home and hope Islanders will keep them in their thoughts.
"My heart aches. I feel very hopeless that I'm here feeling like I'm not doing enough, and I wish that I can do more," said Biswas.
Bezruchko agrees.
"I have a lot of relatives in Ukraine left right now and I know that they're scared and I just want not to feel guilty because I'm here in a safe place," she said.
"Stay in touch with Ukraine and keep doing what you are doing because your support... it's heartwarming."
Sun., February 27, 2022
The rally in P.E.I. on Sunday included speeches and a flag raising. (Sheehan Desjardins/CBC News - image credit)
Grace Biswas hasn't slept much in the last few days.
"I received messages from my friends every day — audio messages with tears in their voice as they're trying to flee the country," said the 23-year-old who grew up in Kyiv, Ukraine.
"It breaks my heart."
On Sunday morning, Biswas arrived at Charlottetown city hall. A rally had been organized to show support for Ukraine after Russia launched an invasion late last week.
To her amazement, a large crowd slowly trickled in.
"I was very surprised about how many people actually came and showed their support," she said, noting that many were Islanders who had no direct connection to Ukraine.
"They also came and they listened and they were spreading the word as well. That means a lot."
'They're scared'
Some carried signs that read "Stop War" or "Stand With Ukraine." A group of children waved the country's national flag and cars honked their horns as they drove by.
"Usually it makes me cry when I see that someone not from Ukraine shows their support," said Olexsandra Bezruchko, who is from Ukraine.
"My relatives are still there.... They're scared because they're seeking shelter right now instead of just having a great, wonderful Sunday."
Sheehan Desjardins/CBC News
Members of the community also gave speeches during the event. In the crowd, some cried while others listened in silence.
"We wish it was just a terrifying dream but unfortunately it's the truth," said one speaker.
"We will never give up. We, Ukrainians, stand before you to show our faith and courage," said another.
'We stand with Ukraine'
A flag-raising ceremony followed the speeches. As the Ukrainian national anthem played loudly in downtown Charlottetown, the country's flag was raised outside the government building.
"We're ashamed, [we're] embarrassed and we are very guilty in front of all Ukraine people and we feel not just sorry, but we are very guilty," said Maria Skrigolovskaya, who is from Moscow.
Sheehan Desjardins/CBC News
Almost in tears, Skrigolovskaya spoke to CBC News making clear she supports Ukraine and so do family members still in Russia.
"My mom sent me this morning, only one message: 'Maria, please tell every Ukrainian person whom you know there and beyond that we are sorry, we failed. And we stand with Ukraine.'"
'My heart aches'
Back in Charlottetown, the crowd raised their signs and walked together down the street.
But the fight is not over yet.
Sheehan Desjardins/CBC News
Moving forward, both Biswas and Bezruchko plan to stay in touch with their friends and family back home and hope Islanders will keep them in their thoughts.
"My heart aches. I feel very hopeless that I'm here feeling like I'm not doing enough, and I wish that I can do more," said Biswas.
Bezruchko agrees.
"I have a lot of relatives in Ukraine left right now and I know that they're scared and I just want not to feel guilty because I'm here in a safe place," she said.
"Stay in touch with Ukraine and keep doing what you are doing because your support... it's heartwarming."
Hundreds rally in Calgary in support of Ukraine
Sun., February 27, 2022
Hundreds gathered at the Holodomor Monument in downtown Calgary to stand in solidarity with Ukraine as Russia continues its invasion. (Terri Trembath/CBC - image credit)
As Russia's invasion of Ukraine entered its fourth day, hundreds rallied in downtown Calgary to show their support.
More than 700 people gathered at the Holodomor Monument off Memorial Drive at around 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, waving Ukrainian flags and chanting "freedom."
"I am devastated, this is wrong. I have [seen the] faces of my classmates, I have [seen] pictures of people I sat next to in university, trembling in subway stations," said Alina Schnieder, a mother of two who grew up in Kyiv.
"They have little kids like me and in four days their lives have been ruined. The trauma of hugging your kids while the rockets are flying behind your back? This is unforgivable. The world sees you and we will never forget."
Schnieder said she brought her young children to the rally so that they could understand more about the war.
"A few days ago when this started, I was dropping [my oldest] off [at kindergarten] and I couldn't keep my tears [in]. He didn't understand what was going on so he ran back and hugged me and said, 'Mommy don't cry.'"
The rally was organized by the Alberta chapter of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC-APC), which on Saturday called for a ban on sales of Russian liquor products across the province.
Terri Trembath/CBC
The Holodomor monument itself commemorates the 1932-1933 famine and genocide in Soviet Ukraine orchestrated by Joseph Stalin, which killed millions of Ukrainians.
In addition to the rally, a separate cross-city walk was organized by Sasha Yankovs'ka. The group of supporters distributed blue and yellow ribbons to passers-by and handed out informational pamphlets.
The walk began at Kalyna Store on Macleod Trail and ended at the Holodomor monument, joining the rally.
Yankovs'ka said that in the midst of hearing so much bad news, walking in solidarity with those in Ukraine was something concrete that she felt she could do to help.
"This is all we can do for them. We can rally, we can inform people, we can ask for more help, we can ask for more donations to help them survive this war."
Yankovs'ka is 29 years old and has lived in Calgary for 15 years. She grew up in Crimea, a Ukrainian territory that was annexed by Russia in 2014.
"Because of Russia we're losing our homes for the second time in our lives.
Yankovs'ka said that her entire family — including her father, brother, sister and her cousins — are currently back home in Ukraine, and that she has now lost contact with some of them.
"We have to fight for our freedom, this is how it is unfortunately."
Sun., February 27, 2022
Hundreds gathered at the Holodomor Monument in downtown Calgary to stand in solidarity with Ukraine as Russia continues its invasion. (Terri Trembath/CBC - image credit)
As Russia's invasion of Ukraine entered its fourth day, hundreds rallied in downtown Calgary to show their support.
More than 700 people gathered at the Holodomor Monument off Memorial Drive at around 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, waving Ukrainian flags and chanting "freedom."
"I am devastated, this is wrong. I have [seen the] faces of my classmates, I have [seen] pictures of people I sat next to in university, trembling in subway stations," said Alina Schnieder, a mother of two who grew up in Kyiv.
"They have little kids like me and in four days their lives have been ruined. The trauma of hugging your kids while the rockets are flying behind your back? This is unforgivable. The world sees you and we will never forget."
Schnieder said she brought her young children to the rally so that they could understand more about the war.
"A few days ago when this started, I was dropping [my oldest] off [at kindergarten] and I couldn't keep my tears [in]. He didn't understand what was going on so he ran back and hugged me and said, 'Mommy don't cry.'"
The rally was organized by the Alberta chapter of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC-APC), which on Saturday called for a ban on sales of Russian liquor products across the province.
Terri Trembath/CBC
The Holodomor monument itself commemorates the 1932-1933 famine and genocide in Soviet Ukraine orchestrated by Joseph Stalin, which killed millions of Ukrainians.
In addition to the rally, a separate cross-city walk was organized by Sasha Yankovs'ka. The group of supporters distributed blue and yellow ribbons to passers-by and handed out informational pamphlets.
The walk began at Kalyna Store on Macleod Trail and ended at the Holodomor monument, joining the rally.
Yankovs'ka said that in the midst of hearing so much bad news, walking in solidarity with those in Ukraine was something concrete that she felt she could do to help.
"This is all we can do for them. We can rally, we can inform people, we can ask for more help, we can ask for more donations to help them survive this war."
Yankovs'ka is 29 years old and has lived in Calgary for 15 years. She grew up in Crimea, a Ukrainian territory that was annexed by Russia in 2014.
"Because of Russia we're losing our homes for the second time in our lives.
Yankovs'ka said that her entire family — including her father, brother, sister and her cousins — are currently back home in Ukraine, and that she has now lost contact with some of them.
"We have to fight for our freedom, this is how it is unfortunately."
'Stand with Ukraine': Edmontonians lining streets downtown in support of Ukraine
Russian liquor products banned from Alberta shelves
'We want peace': Local Ukrainian community fears for family back home
“The motto across the world is ‘Stand with Ukraine’… we’re standing with Ukraine together all Albertans of Ukrainian decent and Ukrainians of many other heritage, supporting our people,” said president of the League of Ukrainian Canadians Edmonton, Taras Podilsky.
“I just talked to my cousin in Ukraine this morning and he was in tears when we heard that we had a thousand people last Thursday and again today we’re supporting them.”
He says there’s still many things people can do to help Ukraine, with one of them being a display of support for governments around the world taking action against Russia.
“We want to let our country, our government, and the governments around the world to know that the people support everything they do to put pressure on Russia,” said Podilsky.
Edmonton mayor Amarjeet Sohi joined the human chain, saying “we will continue to show solidarity with the Edmonton Ukrainian community.”
“This is a terrible situation what is going but this gives me comfort, in a way, that Edmontonians are here to support each other and stand together.”
With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Alison MacKinnon
Edmontonians gathered to line the streets downtown in a show of support for the people of Ukraine. Sunday Feb. 27, 2022 (CTV News Edmonton)
UP NEXT
Human chain shows solidarity for Ukrainians
CTV News Edmonton
Published Feb. 27, 2022
Edmontonians joined together in blue and yellow to line the streets this weekend, showing their support for the crisis unfolding in Ukraine.
“My parents are still in Ukraine,” said Irina Salouk, who took part in the demonstration Sunday. “They are in their eighties and it’s very hard for me to (talk) about that, it’s very emotional.”
She says the past few days have not only been difficult for her parents and herself, but for everyone in Canada and in Ukraine.
Sunday’s rally stretched across downtown streets from 99 Avenue to 109 Avenue encompassing a long line of Edmontonians standing up against Russia’s continued efforts to invade Ukraine.
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CTV News Edmonton
Published Feb. 27, 2022
Edmontonians joined together in blue and yellow to line the streets this weekend, showing their support for the crisis unfolding in Ukraine.
“My parents are still in Ukraine,” said Irina Salouk, who took part in the demonstration Sunday. “They are in their eighties and it’s very hard for me to (talk) about that, it’s very emotional.”
She says the past few days have not only been difficult for her parents and herself, but for everyone in Canada and in Ukraine.
Sunday’s rally stretched across downtown streets from 99 Avenue to 109 Avenue encompassing a long line of Edmontonians standing up against Russia’s continued efforts to invade Ukraine.
RELATED STORIES
Russian liquor products banned from Alberta shelves
'We want peace': Local Ukrainian community fears for family back home
“The motto across the world is ‘Stand with Ukraine’… we’re standing with Ukraine together all Albertans of Ukrainian decent and Ukrainians of many other heritage, supporting our people,” said president of the League of Ukrainian Canadians Edmonton, Taras Podilsky.
“I just talked to my cousin in Ukraine this morning and he was in tears when we heard that we had a thousand people last Thursday and again today we’re supporting them.”
He says there’s still many things people can do to help Ukraine, with one of them being a display of support for governments around the world taking action against Russia.
“We want to let our country, our government, and the governments around the world to know that the people support everything they do to put pressure on Russia,” said Podilsky.
Edmonton mayor Amarjeet Sohi joined the human chain, saying “we will continue to show solidarity with the Edmonton Ukrainian community.”
“This is a terrible situation what is going but this gives me comfort, in a way, that Edmontonians are here to support each other and stand together.”
With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Alison MacKinnon
Edmontonians gathered to line the streets downtown in a show of support for the people of Ukraine. Sunday Feb. 27, 2022 (CTV News Edmonton)
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Rally shows concern over situation in Ukraine
Regina sees demonstrations in solidarity with Ukraine
The Ukrainian flag is being flown in solidarity at the Saskatchewan Legislative Building
The Ukrainian flag is being flown in solidarity at the Saskatchewan Legislative Building
(WayneMantyka/CTVRegina)
Wayne Mantyka
CTV News Regina Video Journalist
Updated Feb. 26, 2022
Prayers and demonstrations were held across the city Friday, with more planned this coming weekend.
Ukrainian families gathered by the Holodomor memorial at the Saskatchewan Legislature Building Friday, fearing the worse could again happen to their homeland.
Many have been in constant contact with family in Ukraine.
“They are really highly motivated to defend their motherland from the totalitarian regime,” said Volodymyr Zavadskyi, a Ukrainian Canadian resident of Regina. “They are ready to defend Ukraine and they are really asking everyone to keep them in their prayers and support them.”
Prayer services and rallies are being held all weekend for the people of Ukraine.
Russian forces began an invasion of Ukraine early Thursday morning, advancing into the former Soviet republic from three sides.
“Talking to people for the last 72 hours nonstop online, on the phone. My nephews in Kiev, they’ve been bombed,” said Petro Nakutnyy, another Ukrainian Canadian. “My classmates are all over Ukraine and they’re with kids in underground bunkers.”
Saskatchewan is making it easier for Ukrainian families to stay in touch. SaskTel is waiving charges for phone calls and texts to Ukraine.
“We strongly condemn the unproved and unwarranted attacks on Ukraine and we want to stand in support of Ukrainians there and the ones that are in our province and we think that is the least that we can do,” said Don Morgan, Minister in charge of SaskTel.
Saskatchewan liquor stores are still selling Russian vodka with no decision made on pulling it as federal sanctions move into place.
“Well certainly we’ll need a wide range of responses,” said Michael Kram, MP for Regina-Wascana. “Certainly both humanitarian and economic and military and I’ve recently started a website, Stand With Ukraine.ca, to encourage people to sign up and let it be known that they are unhappy with the Russian invasion.”
Ukrainians now living in Saskatchewan are calling for as much support as possible from Canada. It includes humanitarian aid with several organizations now accepting donations for Ukraine.
Wayne Mantyka
CTV News Regina Video Journalist
Updated Feb. 26, 2022
Prayers and demonstrations were held across the city Friday, with more planned this coming weekend.
Ukrainian families gathered by the Holodomor memorial at the Saskatchewan Legislature Building Friday, fearing the worse could again happen to their homeland.
Many have been in constant contact with family in Ukraine.
“They are really highly motivated to defend their motherland from the totalitarian regime,” said Volodymyr Zavadskyi, a Ukrainian Canadian resident of Regina. “They are ready to defend Ukraine and they are really asking everyone to keep them in their prayers and support them.”
Prayer services and rallies are being held all weekend for the people of Ukraine.
Russian forces began an invasion of Ukraine early Thursday morning, advancing into the former Soviet republic from three sides.
“Talking to people for the last 72 hours nonstop online, on the phone. My nephews in Kiev, they’ve been bombed,” said Petro Nakutnyy, another Ukrainian Canadian. “My classmates are all over Ukraine and they’re with kids in underground bunkers.”
Saskatchewan is making it easier for Ukrainian families to stay in touch. SaskTel is waiving charges for phone calls and texts to Ukraine.
“We strongly condemn the unproved and unwarranted attacks on Ukraine and we want to stand in support of Ukrainians there and the ones that are in our province and we think that is the least that we can do,” said Don Morgan, Minister in charge of SaskTel.
Saskatchewan liquor stores are still selling Russian vodka with no decision made on pulling it as federal sanctions move into place.
“Well certainly we’ll need a wide range of responses,” said Michael Kram, MP for Regina-Wascana. “Certainly both humanitarian and economic and military and I’ve recently started a website, Stand With Ukraine.ca, to encourage people to sign up and let it be known that they are unhappy with the Russian invasion.”
Ukrainians now living in Saskatchewan are calling for as much support as possible from Canada. It includes humanitarian aid with several organizations now accepting donations for Ukraine.
Vancouverites rally against invasion of Ukraine, as Russia's consul to Vancouver resigns
Sat., February 26, 2022
Hundreds rally in Vancouver as part of a
Hundreds of Vancouverites rallied in support of Ukraine on Saturday afternoon downtown, protesting Russia's ongoing invasion of the country.
Protesters gathered at the Vancouver Art Gallery, many waving Ukrainian flags, as the Russian military continued its attack on Ukraine, including in its capital Kyiv. The invasion has sparked Canadian and international financial sanctions.
The rally in Vancouver, billed as the "Stand with Ukraine against Russian Invasion" rally, is one of many happening in major cities around the world.
"I'm here today because I am in support of Ukraine, and I want to yell as long as I can to stop Russian aggression," Julia Tchezganova, who identified as being of Russian ancestry, told CBC News at Saturday's rally. "In Canada, this is all we can do ... to show our voice and solidarity with Ukrainian people.
"I'm pro-democracy and against the [Russian] regime."
Speakers at the rally led the crowd chanting, "Stand with Ukraine," on the gallery's steps.
A Vancouverite from Ukraine attending Saturday's rally said her parents had to flee their downtown Kyiv, Ukraine apartment this week because of the bombings.
Mariya Miloshevych said her relatives back home have been huddling in bomb shelters and hiding in parking garages.
"The last couple days have been really, really hard," she told CBC News. "My mom, my dad, my sister, my brother, my two grandmas are back there [in Ukraine].
"The best thing I can do is tell their stories. I'm here today to spread the awareness ... The more people are aware of this, the more people will realize how insane that in 2022 we have bombs destroying buildings and killing people."
'I am no longer the Honorary Consul'
Meanwhile, CBC News has confirmed that Russia's official representative in Vancouver has resigned from her post following the country's invasion of Ukraine this week.
Erin Campbell, who was the Russian Federation's honorary consul in the city since 2016, told CBC News she quit the role but would not be commenting further.
Asked about her resignation, Campbell said in a text message, "Yes, I am no longer the Hon. Consul."
Russia's embassy in Canada confirmed its ambassador, Oleg Stepanov, is aware of Campbell's decision.
"Ambassador Stepanov accepted Ms.Campbell's resignation," an embassy spokesperson said in an email Saturday. "And Global Affairs Canada was informed about it by the Embassy's diplomatic note."
Ashley Moliere/CBC
VPD work to 'mitigate disruption'
Vancouver police said its officers were prepared for "significant traffic delays throughout downtown Vancouver today due to several planned protests," the force said in a tweet Saturday.
"We will have extra officers working to mitigate the disruption. Please plan alternate routes if possible."
Following the Russian invasion, British Columbia announced it was ending sales of Russian alcohol products in provincial liquor stores.
Sat., February 26, 2022
Hundreds rally in Vancouver as part of a
Hundreds of Vancouverites rallied in support of Ukraine on Saturday afternoon downtown, protesting Russia's ongoing invasion of the country.
Protesters gathered at the Vancouver Art Gallery, many waving Ukrainian flags, as the Russian military continued its attack on Ukraine, including in its capital Kyiv. The invasion has sparked Canadian and international financial sanctions.
The rally in Vancouver, billed as the "Stand with Ukraine against Russian Invasion" rally, is one of many happening in major cities around the world.
"I'm here today because I am in support of Ukraine, and I want to yell as long as I can to stop Russian aggression," Julia Tchezganova, who identified as being of Russian ancestry, told CBC News at Saturday's rally. "In Canada, this is all we can do ... to show our voice and solidarity with Ukrainian people.
"I'm pro-democracy and against the [Russian] regime."
Speakers at the rally led the crowd chanting, "Stand with Ukraine," on the gallery's steps.
A Vancouverite from Ukraine attending Saturday's rally said her parents had to flee their downtown Kyiv, Ukraine apartment this week because of the bombings.
Mariya Miloshevych said her relatives back home have been huddling in bomb shelters and hiding in parking garages.
"The last couple days have been really, really hard," she told CBC News. "My mom, my dad, my sister, my brother, my two grandmas are back there [in Ukraine].
"The best thing I can do is tell their stories. I'm here today to spread the awareness ... The more people are aware of this, the more people will realize how insane that in 2022 we have bombs destroying buildings and killing people."
'I am no longer the Honorary Consul'
Meanwhile, CBC News has confirmed that Russia's official representative in Vancouver has resigned from her post following the country's invasion of Ukraine this week.
Erin Campbell, who was the Russian Federation's honorary consul in the city since 2016, told CBC News she quit the role but would not be commenting further.
Asked about her resignation, Campbell said in a text message, "Yes, I am no longer the Hon. Consul."
Russia's embassy in Canada confirmed its ambassador, Oleg Stepanov, is aware of Campbell's decision.
"Ambassador Stepanov accepted Ms.Campbell's resignation," an embassy spokesperson said in an email Saturday. "And Global Affairs Canada was informed about it by the Embassy's diplomatic note."
Ashley Moliere/CBC
VPD work to 'mitigate disruption'
Vancouver police said its officers were prepared for "significant traffic delays throughout downtown Vancouver today due to several planned protests," the force said in a tweet Saturday.
"We will have extra officers working to mitigate the disruption. Please plan alternate routes if possible."
Following the Russian invasion, British Columbia announced it was ending sales of Russian alcohol products in provincial liquor stores.
Ukraine solidarity rally held in Kitchener's Victoria Park
Krista Simpson
CTV News Kitchener Videographer
Published Feb. 26, 2022
KITCHENER -
A solidarity rally was the latest show of support for Ukraine from the Kitchener community.
Roughly 300 people came out to Victoria Park Saturday, with many sharing their fears for their families still in Ukraine.
"I cannot just stay calm," said organizer Michael Doroshenko, who came to Canada about eight years ago. "I cannot stay silent while I am here, so I am trying to do what I can to help Ukraine in any way possible."
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Many urged people to donate to support Ukraine and contact their government representatives to do whatever they can.
"Today was the first day I slept in the last three days, my family is hiding in basement," one person in attendance said. "My father, my grandmother who is 75 years old, hiding in a basement where it's winter and it's cold now.
"My emotions are overwhelming. It's very important to support Ukraine, not just with prayers or thoughts, it is important to do so with action."
Another in attendance said that, while some of his family have been able to get to safety, his parents and grandparents remain at risk.
"I'm really scared," he said. "I don't want to panic, I want to help my country and my family and my friends who are there in any capacity possible. The only way I can do it right now is to make sure I raise international awareness."
One woman says she has family in both Russia and Ukraine and that seeing people come together in Kitchener is meaningful.
"Not all Russian people support Putin's regime and support this invasion," she said. "The most important thing for me, I can see that people still share empathy, can be emotional, but can be together, even being from different countries, and still try to find a way together they can help each other and support."
Doroshenko adds that he was grateful so many came out to stand side by side.
"It's heartwarming for me because it makes me feel like we're not alone in this world," he said. "We're not fighting alone, we have the support of the people."
Another rally will be held Sunday afternoon at the same location in Victoria Park.
Krista Simpson
CTV News Kitchener Videographer
Published Feb. 26, 2022
KITCHENER -
A solidarity rally was the latest show of support for Ukraine from the Kitchener community.
Roughly 300 people came out to Victoria Park Saturday, with many sharing their fears for their families still in Ukraine.
"I cannot just stay calm," said organizer Michael Doroshenko, who came to Canada about eight years ago. "I cannot stay silent while I am here, so I am trying to do what I can to help Ukraine in any way possible."
RELATED STORIES
'We're here for peace': Local leaders react to conflict in Ukraine
Ukrainians in Waterloo Region rally in support of home country
Many urged people to donate to support Ukraine and contact their government representatives to do whatever they can.
"Today was the first day I slept in the last three days, my family is hiding in basement," one person in attendance said. "My father, my grandmother who is 75 years old, hiding in a basement where it's winter and it's cold now.
"My emotions are overwhelming. It's very important to support Ukraine, not just with prayers or thoughts, it is important to do so with action."
Another in attendance said that, while some of his family have been able to get to safety, his parents and grandparents remain at risk.
"I'm really scared," he said. "I don't want to panic, I want to help my country and my family and my friends who are there in any capacity possible. The only way I can do it right now is to make sure I raise international awareness."
One woman says she has family in both Russia and Ukraine and that seeing people come together in Kitchener is meaningful.
"Not all Russian people support Putin's regime and support this invasion," she said. "The most important thing for me, I can see that people still share empathy, can be emotional, but can be together, even being from different countries, and still try to find a way together they can help each other and support."
Doroshenko adds that he was grateful so many came out to stand side by side.
"It's heartwarming for me because it makes me feel like we're not alone in this world," he said. "We're not fighting alone, we have the support of the people."
Another rally will be held Sunday afternoon at the same location in Victoria Park.
Ukrainian community in N.L. rallies in solidarity with those facing Russian invasion
Sat., February 26, 2022
The Ukrainian community in St. John's organized a rally on Saturday in solidarity with the country. (Henrike Wilhelm/CBC - image credit)
A couple of hundred people gathered outside St. John's City Hall on Saturday afternoon in solidarity with Ukraine after Russia's attack on the country.
"For us to come and stand here is nothing compared to what the people of Ukraine are suffering with right now," said Brian Cherwick, one of the rally's organizers.
"Even this, it's helpful to send those messages back to Ukraine that people in Canada really care, we support [them], our government supports them, we're going to be doing all we can to help them out of this horrible, horrible crisis."
Russian forces invaded Ukraine on Thursday, drawing sanctions and condemnation from many world leaders as the Russian troops advance on Kyiv.
Mariya Lesiv, another of the rally's organizers, said she's been in touch with people in Ukraine on an almost hourly basis. She said they told her having people stand in solidarity with them in Canada is helpful.
"It's a real psychological support for them to know that people across the ocean, so far away, are thinking about them," Lesiv said.
Henrike Wilhelm/CBC
The Ukrainian flag was raised above city hall during the rally and the crowd that gathered sang the country's national anthem.
Mykhaylo Evstigneev, a professor in the physics department at Memorial University, spoke to the crowd during the rally. Evstigneev said he's been following the events back home in Ukraine closely over the past few days, and he hasn't slept much.
"My colleagues ask me often, do I have relatives in Ukraine and are they OK, are they safe?" he said.
"I have 44 million relatives in Ukraine, and no, they are not safe."
Henrike Wilhelm/CBC
Both Cherwick and Lesiv have family in the western part of Ukraine. Theysaid while that area is relatively safe, things are changing very quickly.
Lesiv, a parent of young children, said she is concerned about the additional toll the war is taking on children and their parents.
"Yesterday I was speaking to my brother [in Ukraine] and his nine-year-old son came up to him and said, 'Dad, we probably shouldn't go to bed this night, should we, because what if they start bombing?," she said.
"I just started crying, because that was such a painful moment … how do you explain to a nine-year-old what is going on? And how do you explain it to a three-year-old?"
They said donating money through reliable sources, like the Red Cross, will help those in need in Ukraine.
But Cherwick also called on Western governments to freeze the assets of Russian oligarchs to help end the war.
"If we can do something to make it difficult for the people in power in Russia to continue their game of chess, and if it means shutting off their money, shutting off their access to Western luxury that they all love, then I think that's something we need to do as much as possible," he said.
Sat., February 26, 2022
The Ukrainian community in St. John's organized a rally on Saturday in solidarity with the country. (Henrike Wilhelm/CBC - image credit)
A couple of hundred people gathered outside St. John's City Hall on Saturday afternoon in solidarity with Ukraine after Russia's attack on the country.
"For us to come and stand here is nothing compared to what the people of Ukraine are suffering with right now," said Brian Cherwick, one of the rally's organizers.
"Even this, it's helpful to send those messages back to Ukraine that people in Canada really care, we support [them], our government supports them, we're going to be doing all we can to help them out of this horrible, horrible crisis."
Russian forces invaded Ukraine on Thursday, drawing sanctions and condemnation from many world leaders as the Russian troops advance on Kyiv.
Mariya Lesiv, another of the rally's organizers, said she's been in touch with people in Ukraine on an almost hourly basis. She said they told her having people stand in solidarity with them in Canada is helpful.
"It's a real psychological support for them to know that people across the ocean, so far away, are thinking about them," Lesiv said.
Henrike Wilhelm/CBC
The Ukrainian flag was raised above city hall during the rally and the crowd that gathered sang the country's national anthem.
Mykhaylo Evstigneev, a professor in the physics department at Memorial University, spoke to the crowd during the rally. Evstigneev said he's been following the events back home in Ukraine closely over the past few days, and he hasn't slept much.
"My colleagues ask me often, do I have relatives in Ukraine and are they OK, are they safe?" he said.
"I have 44 million relatives in Ukraine, and no, they are not safe."
Henrike Wilhelm/CBC
Both Cherwick and Lesiv have family in the western part of Ukraine. Theysaid while that area is relatively safe, things are changing very quickly.
Lesiv, a parent of young children, said she is concerned about the additional toll the war is taking on children and their parents.
"Yesterday I was speaking to my brother [in Ukraine] and his nine-year-old son came up to him and said, 'Dad, we probably shouldn't go to bed this night, should we, because what if they start bombing?," she said.
"I just started crying, because that was such a painful moment … how do you explain to a nine-year-old what is going on? And how do you explain it to a three-year-old?"
They said donating money through reliable sources, like the Red Cross, will help those in need in Ukraine.
But Cherwick also called on Western governments to freeze the assets of Russian oligarchs to help end the war.
"If we can do something to make it difficult for the people in power in Russia to continue their game of chess, and if it means shutting off their money, shutting off their access to Western luxury that they all love, then I think that's something we need to do as much as possible," he said.
Hundreds gather in Halifax to show solidarity with Ukrainian people
Sat., February 26, 2022
People carried a long banner in the Ukrainian national colours to show their support. (Haley Ryan - image credit)
Hundreds gathered at Grand Parade in downtown Halifax on Saturday afternoon to protest the Russian invasion of Ukraine and to call for a stop to the war.
The planned gathering started with relatively few people, but the crowd grew quickly.
Some people carried Ukrainian flags while others carried banners and umbrellas in the Ukrainian national colours of yellow and blue.
The Ukrainian flag was already flying on the flagpole at Grand Parade
There were also large pieces of yellow and blue cloth stretched around the crowd like a ribbon.
Haley Ryan
Many carried placards bearing messages such as "Stop Putin! Stop the war!" and "Stand with Ukraine."
A tearful Nadia Timoshenko, who lives in HRM, said her ancestors were from Ukraine and she grew up in Toronto immersed in Ukrainian culture.
She still has distant relatives there and doesn't know what is happening to them.
Haley Ryan/CBC
According to Timoshenko, the events in Ukraine in recent days have hit her hard because of her deep connections to the country and culture.
I think it's important for Ukrainians and all humans to come together and stand against this," Timoshenko said.
"This shouldn't happen in Ukraine or anywhere in the world."
She said it was heartwarming to see the outpouring of support at Grand Parade.
Jane MacKay of Dartmouth attended the rally. She said the problems in Ukraine put Canada's recent problems into context.
"I think following what has gone on here in the last month, people need to recognize that our problems are small… so far," she said. "But they're all going to get worse if we don't stand up to this kind of thing."
The people gathered in Halifax heard speeches condemning the Russian invasion and applauding the bravery of the Ukrainian people and armed forces.
Haley Ryan
Speakers also referred to the bravery of the 13 military personnel on Snake Island who refused to surrender to the crew of a Russian warship and were all killed.
The people gathered also sang both the Canadian and Ukrainian national anthems.
Premier's office
Earlier on Saturday, the premier's office issued a news release saying Nova Scotia stood in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and said Province House will be flying the Ukrainian flag in support.
The province is donating $100,000 to the local chapter of the Canada-Ukraine Foundation in order to provide humanitarian aid to the Ukrainian people, the release said.
"Nova Scotians were shocked and horrified by Russia's unprovoked attack on Ukraine, which endangers the lives of people and flies in the face of international law," said Premier Tim Houston.
According to the release, Nova Scotia will also be working with Ottawa to expedite immigration applications for Ukrainians wishing to move to the province.
The release said there are more than 9,000 people of Ukrainian heritage living in Nova Scotia.
Sat., February 26, 2022
People carried a long banner in the Ukrainian national colours to show their support. (Haley Ryan - image credit)
Hundreds gathered at Grand Parade in downtown Halifax on Saturday afternoon to protest the Russian invasion of Ukraine and to call for a stop to the war.
The planned gathering started with relatively few people, but the crowd grew quickly.
Some people carried Ukrainian flags while others carried banners and umbrellas in the Ukrainian national colours of yellow and blue.
The Ukrainian flag was already flying on the flagpole at Grand Parade
There were also large pieces of yellow and blue cloth stretched around the crowd like a ribbon.
Haley Ryan
Many carried placards bearing messages such as "Stop Putin! Stop the war!" and "Stand with Ukraine."
A tearful Nadia Timoshenko, who lives in HRM, said her ancestors were from Ukraine and she grew up in Toronto immersed in Ukrainian culture.
She still has distant relatives there and doesn't know what is happening to them.
Haley Ryan/CBC
According to Timoshenko, the events in Ukraine in recent days have hit her hard because of her deep connections to the country and culture.
I think it's important for Ukrainians and all humans to come together and stand against this," Timoshenko said.
"This shouldn't happen in Ukraine or anywhere in the world."
She said it was heartwarming to see the outpouring of support at Grand Parade.
Jane MacKay of Dartmouth attended the rally. She said the problems in Ukraine put Canada's recent problems into context.
"I think following what has gone on here in the last month, people need to recognize that our problems are small… so far," she said. "But they're all going to get worse if we don't stand up to this kind of thing."
The people gathered in Halifax heard speeches condemning the Russian invasion and applauding the bravery of the Ukrainian people and armed forces.
Haley Ryan
Speakers also referred to the bravery of the 13 military personnel on Snake Island who refused to surrender to the crew of a Russian warship and were all killed.
The people gathered also sang both the Canadian and Ukrainian national anthems.
Premier's office
Earlier on Saturday, the premier's office issued a news release saying Nova Scotia stood in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and said Province House will be flying the Ukrainian flag in support.
The province is donating $100,000 to the local chapter of the Canada-Ukraine Foundation in order to provide humanitarian aid to the Ukrainian people, the release said.
"Nova Scotians were shocked and horrified by Russia's unprovoked attack on Ukraine, which endangers the lives of people and flies in the face of international law," said Premier Tim Houston.
According to the release, Nova Scotia will also be working with Ottawa to expedite immigration applications for Ukrainians wishing to move to the province.
The release said there are more than 9,000 people of Ukrainian heritage living in Nova Scotia.
N.B.'s Ukrainian community rallies in support of embattled homeland
Sat., February 26, 2022
About 150 members of Saint John's Ukrainian community rallied outside city hall Saturday. (Submitted by Kateryna Kryvolap - image credit)
About 150 members of Saint John's Ukrainian community rallied Saturday to call on government officials to further help Ukraine fend off an invasion by Russia.
Rally organizer Oksana Posatska and others, many holding signs, stood in front of Saint John city hall.
Posatska came to Canada seven years ago from the city of Lviv, which is near the border with Poland. Thousands of Ukrainian refugees are fleeing the country in that direction.
She has a family in Saint John. For her, the situation in her homeland is heartbreaking.
Blair Sanderson/CBC
"We gather today to make our voices heard loud and clear," she said. "We require actions from our local governments."
Posatska said the community is demanding action to help the Ukrainian people, like stronger sanctions against Russia that would include banning the country from the SWIFT banking system.
"We need NATO to close the sky above Ukraine to protect and shelter Ukraine.... This is the least we can do as Ukrainians."
The conflict may be taking place across the world, but Posatska and the community feel an urgent need to heed the calls for assistance by Ukraine's leadership.
"We are so far from Ukraine," she said. "But we can ask for help. We can put pressure on our local governments, for our local politicians.
"This is not the civilized world we want to raise our kids in."
Ever since the invasion commenced on Thursday, Ukrainian communities across the province have rallied with anti-war messages.
Over 100 Ukrainian Canadians rallied outside Moncton city hall on Thursday. There was a smaller gathering outside Fredericton city hall on Friday.
Other rallies are planned this weekend around the region and around the country.
Government officials such as Education Minister Dominic Cardy, Liberal MP Jenica Atwin, Green Party Leader David Coon and Fredericton Mayor Kate Rogers were scheduled to attend attend a vigil outside Fredericton city hall later Saturday.
Sat., February 26, 2022
About 150 members of Saint John's Ukrainian community rallied outside city hall Saturday. (Submitted by Kateryna Kryvolap - image credit)
About 150 members of Saint John's Ukrainian community rallied Saturday to call on government officials to further help Ukraine fend off an invasion by Russia.
Rally organizer Oksana Posatska and others, many holding signs, stood in front of Saint John city hall.
Posatska came to Canada seven years ago from the city of Lviv, which is near the border with Poland. Thousands of Ukrainian refugees are fleeing the country in that direction.
She has a family in Saint John. For her, the situation in her homeland is heartbreaking.
Blair Sanderson/CBC
"We gather today to make our voices heard loud and clear," she said. "We require actions from our local governments."
Posatska said the community is demanding action to help the Ukrainian people, like stronger sanctions against Russia that would include banning the country from the SWIFT banking system.
"We need NATO to close the sky above Ukraine to protect and shelter Ukraine.... This is the least we can do as Ukrainians."
The conflict may be taking place across the world, but Posatska and the community feel an urgent need to heed the calls for assistance by Ukraine's leadership.
"We are so far from Ukraine," she said. "But we can ask for help. We can put pressure on our local governments, for our local politicians.
"This is not the civilized world we want to raise our kids in."
Ever since the invasion commenced on Thursday, Ukrainian communities across the province have rallied with anti-war messages.
Over 100 Ukrainian Canadians rallied outside Moncton city hall on Thursday. There was a smaller gathering outside Fredericton city hall on Friday.
Other rallies are planned this weekend around the region and around the country.
Government officials such as Education Minister Dominic Cardy, Liberal MP Jenica Atwin, Green Party Leader David Coon and Fredericton Mayor Kate Rogers were scheduled to attend attend a vigil outside Fredericton city hall later Saturday.
Canadians show solidarity with Ukraine through rallies, calls for support on Saturday
Sat., February 26, 2022
People attend a candlelight vigil outside the Ukrainian Embassy in Ottawa on Saturday. (Nafi Alibert/Radio-Canada - image credit)
Canadians continue to show support for Ukraine and its fierce and urgent battle against a Russian invasion that has tossed life there into sudden chaos.
Saturday marked the third day of Russia's wide-ranging invasion of Ukraine — a move that has prompted condemnation by many world leaders and triggered a raft of sanctions.
It has also prompted people across Canada to demonstrate their solidarity with the people of Ukraine by attending various rallies and demonstrations against the invasion, which began on Thursday.
Keeping watch 'so far from Ukraine'
Hundreds of people gathered outside the Vancouver Art Gallery on Saturday afternoon to show their support for the Ukrainian people. Many in the crowd chanted "Stand with Ukraine!" in unison.
In Eastern Canada, another gathering in Saint John saw scores of people meet at City Hall on Saturday to take part in a rally that was organized by local members of the Ukrainian community.
Their signs urged people to stand with Ukraine and to stop the conflict the democratic nation in eastern Europe has been forced to confront.
Julia Wright/CBC
Rally organizer Oksana Posatska said all had gathered "to make our voices heard loud and clear" and to call for support for Ukraine.
"We are so far from Ukraine," said Posatska, who used to live in the Ukrainian city of Lviv. "But we can ask for help."
Haley Ryan/CBC
At a Halifax rally that drew hundreds of people on Saturday, Nadia Timoshenko said her family had roots in Ukraine and she still had distant relatives living there.
"I think it's important for Ukrainians and all humans to come together and stand against this," Timoshenko told CBC News.
"This shouldn't happen in Ukraine or anywhere in the world."
Henrike Wilhelm/CBC
A Saturday rally in St. John's saw members of the local Ukrainian community speak about how the conflict's has impacted them. Hundreds attended the event, including local politicians.
It ended with the Ukrainian flag being raised in front of St. John's City Hall, and the singing of the Ukrainian national anthem.
The ongoing demonstrations taking place in Canada echo the sentiments of those opposing the war around the globe.
"I just want to say: '[Russian President Vladimir] Putin stop this, regain your sanity,'" said Hiroshi Sawada, when speaking to Reuters at a protest in Tokyo on Saturday.
There have also been people in Russia protesting against the war since the invasion started.
The Associated Press reported small street protests occurring in Moscow, St. Petersburg and other Russian cities on Saturday.
'Hard for us to be here'
In Ottawa, dozens of protesters wearing the thick blue and yellow stripes of the Ukrainian flag gathered Saturday afternoon on a snowy sidewalk outside the Russian Embassy.
CBC
Carrying signs full of anger toward both Russia and Putin, the protesters — some originally from Kyiv, with family members still in the Ukrainian capital — chanted as passing cars honked in solidarity.
"It is hard for us to be here and not to be able to help them in any way, [other than] with our own love and support," said protester Irena Abramova. "I'm afraid that my people will die."
A candlelight vigil was also held Saturday evening outside the Ukrainian Embassy in Ottawa.
Daniel Thomas/CBC/Radio-Canada
In other provinces, a group of demonstrators gathered outside the Russian Consulate in Montreal on Saturday.
And in Winnipeg, an estimated 2,000 people turned out for a rally organized by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress outside the Manitoba legislature.
"We want the world to not just look upon us and say, 'We're sorry this is happening to you,'" said attendee Halyna Shtoyko, who came to Canada from Ukraine as a teenager more than 20 years ago. "We want the help, all the help that we can get."
Fears for loved ones
Varvara Shmygalova now lives in Toronto, but previously lived in Kyiv. She has loved ones still living in Ukraine and the peril they are facing is constantly on her mind — particularly with the shelling of buildings near the apartment where her grandparents live in the Ukrainian capital.
Maksim Levin/Reuters
"It's really awful and heartbreaking," she told CBC News Network on Saturday morning. "All of that is very, very scary."
Shmygalova thanked all the people in Canada offering support for Ukraine and urged them to continue to do so.
On Saturday, Ukraine's health minister said that at least 198 Ukrainians have been killed and more than 1,000 others have been wounded.
And more than 150,000 Ukrainian refugees have crossed into neighbouring countries since the launch of the invasion on Thursday, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi tweeted Saturday.
The invasion came after a prolonged Russian troop buildup along Ukraine's borders and a series of escalating warnings from Western leaders that such an action was increasingly likely.
Natalie Thomas/Reuters
Sat., February 26, 2022
People attend a candlelight vigil outside the Ukrainian Embassy in Ottawa on Saturday. (Nafi Alibert/Radio-Canada - image credit)
Canadians continue to show support for Ukraine and its fierce and urgent battle against a Russian invasion that has tossed life there into sudden chaos.
Saturday marked the third day of Russia's wide-ranging invasion of Ukraine — a move that has prompted condemnation by many world leaders and triggered a raft of sanctions.
It has also prompted people across Canada to demonstrate their solidarity with the people of Ukraine by attending various rallies and demonstrations against the invasion, which began on Thursday.
Keeping watch 'so far from Ukraine'
Hundreds of people gathered outside the Vancouver Art Gallery on Saturday afternoon to show their support for the Ukrainian people. Many in the crowd chanted "Stand with Ukraine!" in unison.
In Eastern Canada, another gathering in Saint John saw scores of people meet at City Hall on Saturday to take part in a rally that was organized by local members of the Ukrainian community.
Their signs urged people to stand with Ukraine and to stop the conflict the democratic nation in eastern Europe has been forced to confront.
Julia Wright/CBC
Rally organizer Oksana Posatska said all had gathered "to make our voices heard loud and clear" and to call for support for Ukraine.
"We are so far from Ukraine," said Posatska, who used to live in the Ukrainian city of Lviv. "But we can ask for help."
Haley Ryan/CBC
At a Halifax rally that drew hundreds of people on Saturday, Nadia Timoshenko said her family had roots in Ukraine and she still had distant relatives living there.
"I think it's important for Ukrainians and all humans to come together and stand against this," Timoshenko told CBC News.
"This shouldn't happen in Ukraine or anywhere in the world."
Henrike Wilhelm/CBC
A Saturday rally in St. John's saw members of the local Ukrainian community speak about how the conflict's has impacted them. Hundreds attended the event, including local politicians.
It ended with the Ukrainian flag being raised in front of St. John's City Hall, and the singing of the Ukrainian national anthem.
The ongoing demonstrations taking place in Canada echo the sentiments of those opposing the war around the globe.
"I just want to say: '[Russian President Vladimir] Putin stop this, regain your sanity,'" said Hiroshi Sawada, when speaking to Reuters at a protest in Tokyo on Saturday.
There have also been people in Russia protesting against the war since the invasion started.
The Associated Press reported small street protests occurring in Moscow, St. Petersburg and other Russian cities on Saturday.
'Hard for us to be here'
In Ottawa, dozens of protesters wearing the thick blue and yellow stripes of the Ukrainian flag gathered Saturday afternoon on a snowy sidewalk outside the Russian Embassy.
CBC
Carrying signs full of anger toward both Russia and Putin, the protesters — some originally from Kyiv, with family members still in the Ukrainian capital — chanted as passing cars honked in solidarity.
"It is hard for us to be here and not to be able to help them in any way, [other than] with our own love and support," said protester Irena Abramova. "I'm afraid that my people will die."
A candlelight vigil was also held Saturday evening outside the Ukrainian Embassy in Ottawa.
Daniel Thomas/CBC/Radio-Canada
In other provinces, a group of demonstrators gathered outside the Russian Consulate in Montreal on Saturday.
And in Winnipeg, an estimated 2,000 people turned out for a rally organized by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress outside the Manitoba legislature.
"We want the world to not just look upon us and say, 'We're sorry this is happening to you,'" said attendee Halyna Shtoyko, who came to Canada from Ukraine as a teenager more than 20 years ago. "We want the help, all the help that we can get."
Fears for loved ones
Varvara Shmygalova now lives in Toronto, but previously lived in Kyiv. She has loved ones still living in Ukraine and the peril they are facing is constantly on her mind — particularly with the shelling of buildings near the apartment where her grandparents live in the Ukrainian capital.
Maksim Levin/Reuters
"It's really awful and heartbreaking," she told CBC News Network on Saturday morning. "All of that is very, very scary."
Shmygalova thanked all the people in Canada offering support for Ukraine and urged them to continue to do so.
On Saturday, Ukraine's health minister said that at least 198 Ukrainians have been killed and more than 1,000 others have been wounded.
And more than 150,000 Ukrainian refugees have crossed into neighbouring countries since the launch of the invasion on Thursday, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi tweeted Saturday.
The invasion came after a prolonged Russian troop buildup along Ukraine's borders and a series of escalating warnings from Western leaders that such an action was increasingly likely.
Natalie Thomas/Reuters
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