The Ukrainian community and its supporters will gather outside of the Vancouver Art Gallery this weekend to show support for Ukraine following Russia's full-scale invasion of the country.
Russian President Vladimir Putin ignored global condemnation and cascading new sanctions as he unleashed the largest ground war in Europe since World War II, and chillingly referred to his country’s nuclear arsenal. He threatened any country trying to interfere with “consequences you have never seen.”
Hundreds of members of the Ukrainian community held rallies in Vancouver and in the B.C. legislature this week to show solidarity. Another event is planned for this Saturday (Feb. 26) at the Vancouver Art Gallery at 1 p.m.
Rally organizers Pavlo Ponikarovskyi and Natalie Jatskevich write on the Facebook event page that Ukrainians are "losing their homes, savings, assets, and most importantly - their lives" and people must make it clear to leaders across the globe that "war is unacceptable."
"It is our duty as people of this city to show support and stand in a united front against Russian invasion and annexation of a sovereign state," reads the post. "If Russia can be free to annex territories today, and go unpunished, who knows if your country is next?"
The Ukrainian Canadian Congress BC Provincial Council and Vancouver Branch are issuing a B.C. and Vancouver-wide call to action to action this weekend to continue its "Stand With Ukraine" campaign.
The Vancouver-based Ukrainian Society of Ivan Franko adds that supporters and the local Ukrainian community want to show solidarity during a time when the "Ukrainian people face a grave threat."
The group invites supporters to have their "Ukrainian and Canadian flags ready, as well as vyshyvankas and self-made posters" at car rallies around the city, too.
The Canada-Ukraine Foundation has launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for the humanitarian effort overseas. However, the fundraiser is currently paused and under review.
More than a hundred Canadian Ukrainians and their supporters have gathered in downtown Vancouver, denouncing Putin's military invasion of Ukraine. @cbcnewsbc pic.twitter.com/qYwZMXvjG4
— Joel Ballard (@jphballard) February 24, 2022
I’m a proud Canadian, born and raised…so thankful for that…but my heritage comes from the Ukraine…like so many other families who immigrated to Canada decades ago, I’m deeply concerned about what is transpiring. My heart goes out to the people of Ukraine. #IStandWithUkraine
— JAY JANOWER (@JayJanower) February 24, 2022
#Canada owes so much to #Ukraine! We were lucky to have so many of #Ukrainian diaspora choose the #Canadian Prairies. 13% in #Saskatchewan, where I grew up, trace all or part ancestry to Ukraine! Today we're ALL #Ukrainians in spirit! #PutinIsaWarCriminal #UkrainiansWillResist
— Stanley Q Woodvine (@sqwabb) February 24, 2022
What an absolutely bloody disgrace..a vile, disgusting bully, who cares about nothing except his own sinister aggrandisement....#Putin #Ukraine
— Rod Mickleburgh (@rodmickleburgh) February 24, 2022
Canada strongly condemns Russia's attack on Ukraine in violation of international law & the Charter of the United Nations.
— Harjit Sajjan (@HarjitSajjan) February 24, 2022
I'm at the @UN & will be raising Canada's concerns. We're working with our allies and like-minded partners to stand up in the face of this aggression. https://t.co/3KmY2p2U9s
We stand by Ukraine 🇺🇦 ❤️#vancouver pic.twitter.com/K59fAkucUR
— jammer91 (@dancloutier4ev1) February 24, 2022
Holding Ukraine close to my heart today. The urge to do something to help Ukrainians under fire is all-encompassing. I know I’m not alone in this; I know it’s not just because my family is from Ukraine. And we will find a way to help. We must. 💔❤️🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/ijIfMBo81D
— Sabrina Rani Furminger (@sabrinarmf) February 24, 2022
My heart is broken. I am scared for everyone involved. There's no joke or humour, only loss and devastation. I am sending my love to #Ukraine and the people of Russia protesting this action.
— Fox (@FoxCouncil) February 24, 2022
🦊💔
I never tweet about my irl life here but Im very scared for my family in Ukraine. My Ukrainian brothers and sisters I send you my prayers to be safe
— Stasya Sher 🇺🇦 (@stasya_sher) February 24, 2022
Rally in support of Ukraine currently in front of Vancouver Art Gallery. pic.twitter.com/zRWwURExUV
— Maria Reva (@_mariareva) February 24, 2022
Stand with Ukraine against Russian Invasion - Vancouver Anti-War Rally
When: Saturday (Feb. 26) at 1 p.m.
Where: Vancouver Art Gallery | 750 Hornby St.
You can find out more about the rally online.
With files from the Associated Press.
