People in Halifax gathered on Sunday, February 23, 2025, waving Ukrainian flags as they took part in a global day of action. The rally marked three years since Russia invaded Ukraine. The Canadian Press
People across Canada gathered on Sunday to mark three years since Russia invaded Ukraine. With concerns growing about possible changes in U.S. support, rallies were held at city halls, museums, and community centers nationwide. The events were part of a global day of action as the war continues into its fourth year.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is set to visit Kyiv on Monday. He will join 12 other world leaders for a summit on peace and security in Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that he would meet with Trudeau, though Canadian officials have not commented on the visit.
The summit comes as the United States holds discussions with Russia about a possible peace deal. Ukraine, however, has not been included in these talks. Recently, former U.S. President Donald Trump accused Ukraine of starting the war and suggested negotiating access to Ukraine’s minerals in exchange for peace.
Trudeau has stressed that Ukraine must be part of any negotiations. At a rally in Montreal, concerns about shifting U.S. foreign policy were a major topic. Hundreds gathered to support Ukraine, with many rejecting the idea that Ukraine is responsible for the war.
“Ukraine was peaceful before the invasion. It is the victim here,” said Michael Shwec, president of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress in Quebec. “Saying otherwise makes no sense.”
Russia launched its full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022. The war is Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War II. It has caused hundreds of thousands of military deaths and tens of thousands of civilian casualties.
Since then, many Ukrainians have sought refuge in Canada. Artem Patyka, who arrived in March 2023, said he never expected the war to last this long. “I thought it would end quickly,” he said.
Nearby, Vira Seletska and her daughter held a banner calling for peace. They moved to Canada a decade ago when Russia annexed Crimea. “When we came, my daughter was six. Now she’s 16,” she said. “I never thought the world would allow this war to go on so long.”
Eugene Czolij, Ukraine’s honorary consul in Montreal, called for continued Canadian support. “Canada must provide Ukraine with military, economic, and humanitarian aid,” he said. “It should also push the U.S. to do the right thing.”
In Halifax, about 200 people gathered downtown to honor those killed in the war. Victoria Oleksienko, who lived under Russian occupation in Irpin in 2022, shared her story. “The shelling never stopped,” she said. “We were cold, sick, and hungry. But the worst part was feeling hopeless.”
After she spoke, the crowd observed a moment of silence for the victims. “Ukrainians are dying every night,” said Maryna Horobets of the Nova Scotia Ukrainian Canadian Congress. “For many, it’s just a statistic. But every number is someone’s father, brother, or son.”
In Vancouver, a large crowd gathered at the Art Gallery plaza, waving Ukrainian flags and banners. People cheered mentions of Ukraine’s resilience and booed at any mention of Trump or Russian President Vladimir Putin.
West Vancouver MP Patrick Weiler addressed the rally. “Trump wants to welcome Putin back into the global system,” he said. “But Canada is hosting the G7 this year. If Putin sets foot here, he will be arrested for war crimes.”
Michele Hall, a Richmond resident with Ukrainian roots, was emotional about Trump’s comments on Zelenskyy. “We must support Ukraine,” she said. “I hope most Canadians agree.”
Similar rallies took place in Ottawa, Toronto, Winnipeg, and Calgary.
