Torontonians mark 1-year anniversary of Russian invasion of Ukraine, denounce war
CBC
Torontonians are set to show support for Ukraine Friday at a series of rallies and events across the city on the one-year anniversary of Russia's invasion of the country.
Many Ukrainians who have fled their home due to the violence are set to attend and speak out, as well.
Events are taking place at city hall and local schools, and later Friday the prime minister and Ontario's premier are expected to be in the city to mark the solemn occasion.
Ukrainians still living in the country told CBC News they feel like Feb. 24, 2022, is their "9/11 moment" — a temporal fork in the road that makes it obvious to everyone that the world has changed irrevocably.
Others are quick to point out the Russian invasion began not a year ago today but in 2014, with Moscow's annexation of Crimea.
The city's main solidarity march — which is also being held in 300 cities around the world — is set to move through the city core in the late afternoon. Speakers from the Ukrainian community are set to be joined by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Premier Doug Ford, and federal Conservative leader Pierre Pollievre, among others.
WATCH | CBC News has a team in Ukraine. Here's what they say on the conflict's front lines:
"The one-year anniversary of Russia's war on Ukraine is a sombre reminder of the need for urgent action to resolve this ongoing crisis," said Marc Shwec, chair of the Stand With Ukraine Committee of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress–Toronto Branch, which is organizing the event.
"As Canadians we stand with Ukraine because Ukrainians are defending their freedom, European safety, and Western democratic values. We need to be on the right side of history," he said in a statement.
A Ukrainian flag raising ceremony was held Toronto City Hall Friday morning, in order to reaffirm the city's solidarity with the country, Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie said.
"This flag has been flying here non-stop in Nathan Phillips Square since the invasion began, and I am committed … to keeping it flying here to show our solidarity with Ukraine and our Ukrainian community," McKelvie said.
The war hits so close to home for so many Toronto residents, she added.
"Toronto has an incredible Ukrainian community who are hurting and who are terrified for their loved ones and for the future of Ukraine."
Oleksandr Shevchenko, consul general of Ukraine in Toronto, also spoke at the ceremony, saying that on Feb. 24, 2022, Russia "unleashed a full-scale war against our country.
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This First Person column is the experience of Andrew Stetson, a writer and storyteller in P.E.I. For more information about CBC's First Person stories, please see the FAQ.
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