Alberta’s Ukrainian community stands together as fears of Russian invasion grow

Dozens of people gathered at Hawrelak Park on Sunday to call on the Canadian government to help Ukraine prevent Russia from entering the country.

“We hope that Canada will join the United States and Great Britain in providing defense weapons,” said Ukrainian Canadian League of Edmonton President Taras Podilsky. “Anti-tank, anti-aircraft, anti-defense missiles – not lethal weapons for attack, but for defense.”

Sunday’s demonstration in Edmonton was just one of many to take place across Canada this weekend. This comes as the clash between Ukraine and Russia continues to escalate, with Russia now having mustered at least 70% of the military presence it plans to set up near the Ukrainian border by the end of the day. mid-February, according to US officials.

Russia has denied plans to invade Ukraine, although some in Canada share a different perspective.

“Over the past year, weeks and months, there has been an increased escalation and we are very concerned,” said Orysia Boychuck, President of the Congress of Ukrainian Canadians – Alberta Provincial Council.

Boychuck says Alberta’s Ukrainian community has deep roots in Ukraine. With their family and friends living in the country, they are very concerned about the current rising tensions and what the future may hold for them.

“We’re worried about its sovereignty, we’re worried about the democratic country it has become and has been for the past 30 years,” Boychuck said.

Canada is among the NATO countries that have urged Russia to find a diplomatic solution. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin hopes to see a number of demands met, including a promise by Western powers not to accept Ukraine into NATO.

“It’s a violation of people’s rights and it’s a concern and a threat,” Boychuck said. He thinks that if Ukraine wants to join NATO, the country should have the right to choose.

Currently, Ukraine is not a member of NATO but receives military support and training from the United States and its allies.

Members of the Ukrainian community in Alberta stress the importance of defending the lives of Ukrainians, saying that if a Russian invasion takes place, it could be a warning sign.

“We know there would be a lot of Ukrainian lives lost and there are a lot more beyond those borders, so it’s important that everyone stands up for Ukraine because it’s the front of the West right now,” Podilsky said.

The Government of Canada has so far sent non-lethal military personnel to Ukraine in an effort to assist the country. Around 30 demonstrations in support of Ukraine were planned across Canada this weekend.

With files from Allison Mackinnon and The Associated Press