Monday marked three years since Russia began its invasion of Ukraine. Gatherings of support for Ukraine over the weekend and yesterday could be seen across Saskatchewan.
One gathering took place at the Saskatchewan Legislative building and came with a renewed sense of political unrest.
Around 8,000 Ukrainians have fled to Saskatchewan since the start of the conflict, now, some are again expressing disappointment over U.S. President Donald Trump blaming Ukraine for starting the war.
“I think like all Ukrainian people I am in shock about this situation. Of course, I would like the war to stop as soon as possible,” displaced Ukrainian citizen Yuliia Rahat said.
On the weekend hundreds of Ukrainians gathered at the Holodomor memorial in Regina, marking the third anniversary of the start of the conflict.
“You don’t feel united in the world, because everybody knows what has happened in America with [Donald] Trump and we really would like to [say] that we still need help,” one woman from Ukraine said.
“Even after the war ends there is no guarantee of safety at all,” another woman added.
Throughout the conflict Saskatchewan has placed its unwavering support for Ukraine and its people, as U.S. policy toward Ukraine appears to be taking a U-turn.
Jamie Martens, the legislative secretary for Saskatchewan-Ukraine relations acknowledged that the gatherings and show of support continues to be just as important as when the invasion first began.
“It means a lot because first we are commemorating those people who fought for freedom and not only for the freedom of the people in Ukraine, but for democracy world-wide,” Martens said.
