Winnipeg's Russian community condemns Putin's war, calls on support for Ukraine

Winnipeggers of Russian descent are condemning Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine and doing what they can to voice their opposition and help Ukrainians fleeing for their lives. 

The rescue effort continues in Mariupol, where survivors are emerging from a theatre bombed in a Russian airstrike. Hundreds of civilians had been taking shelter there after their homes were destroyed in the attacks.

The bombing comes amidst attacks across the country targeting a school, hospital and other health facilities. According to the United Nations, about two million people are internally displaced in Ukraine.

Marina Bulan, a Winnipegger originally from Rostov-on-Don in the southern part of Russia, says she's been glued to news stations 24/7, watching the horrors of the war, in shock.

"I can't sleep well. Because it's just the thought that we … started that war and they're killing people and …ruining cities. It's something unbelievable and something unthinkable," she said. 

After Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014, Bulan said she realized her country was "not her own" anymore. She and her partner immigrated to Canada in 2016. 

Bulan said they've donated money to the Canadian Red Cross for Ukrainian relief and have offered up their guest bedroom to Ukrainian refugees.

"I just want it to stop. First and foremost. And I'm pretty sure it's the most important thing now for everybody, is to stop the war."

Manitoba is home to more 58,000 people of Russian descent, according to the 2016 census. 

"So many Russians are against it. Especially those who live abroad … they left their country mostly because they weren't OK with the politics with that country," Bulan said. 

"Ukrainian people are who need all the help this world can provide now."

On Feb. 24, Vadim Ivanov said he and his family, like millions of others, woke up to the news that Russia, his own country, had "treacherously attacked brotherly Ukraine."

"It's surreal. Every day I can't even imagine that this is happening right now. It's devastating, I feel anger, sadness, depression," he said. 

Ivanoc came with his wife and seven-year-old son to Canada under the provincial nominee program in 2020. He said he made the decision to leave Russia after Putin's long-time critic Alexei Navalny, whom he supports, was jailed.