‘We will fight and we will win’: third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine marked with vigil

“It’s not like we hope, we know that we will win, but it’s going to take some more time,” she explained.

The Veselka choir helps to lift peoples’ spirits. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

Russia’s army crossed the border on Feb. 24, 2022, in an all-out invasion that Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed was needed to protect Russian-speaking civilians in eastern Ukraine and prevent the country from joining NATO.

Recently, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reaffirmed Canada’s support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the midst of increasing political tensions between his country and the United States. Trudeau repeated his call for Ukraine to be at the negotiating table as U.S. President Donald Trump’s officials met with their Russian counterparts to discuss a possible deal to end the war, leaving Ukraine out.

Noting the need to support the Ukrainian forces any way they can, Trofmchuk said the best way they can do that is to continue sharing information through the media to let people know the war is going on and most of all that it’s not finished. Trofmchuk further noted her close friend’s son is currently fighting on the front lines.

“And he says I can’t believe that it’s still going and I’m so tired. Please pray for us and we will pray here as well because it’s the only way to save us.”

Maria Trofmchuk. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

Discussing her own transition into Canada, Trofmchuk stated her belief was she was one of the lucky ones. With a background as a lawyer, she was able to find work as a legal assistant. Her daughter, who was four when they arrived in Canada, spoke no English.

“And after two months, when she started to go into daycare, she started talking too fast. And right now sometimes she says mama you’re spelling this word wrong, you need to say it like this, not like this.”

While acknowledging her daughter still can remember the life they left behind and the sights and sounds of the military not far from their home, Trofmchuk said when she asks her daughter if she wants to go back to Ukraine, her daughter quickly replies no and states Canada is her home now.

Further acknowledging Prince Albert’s growing Ukranian community, Trofmchuk noted they have a very great celebration of Malanka and make efforts regularly to meet for some coffee for tea.

“And it’s very good that you have a way to share your culture being so far away from your home”

(Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

Jan Olesko is the Veselka Ukrainian Club’s past President and helped organize the vigil.

“Many of us have roots from Ukraine and there are so many newcomers are coming, so together we can get together to honour the three years of the horrible war in Ukraine. And it’s to recognize Ukraine’s courage and bravery through Russia’s invasion,” she said.

“In fact, when we were planning this and Trump was just coming in, we thought because he always said that he was going to end the war, we thought this was going to be a joyous occasion. You know, yay it’s the end. But indeed it wasn’t.”

Since the U.S. agreed to start working toward ending the war and improving their diplomatic and economic ties with Russia, Zelenskyy and Trump have traded rebukes with one another saying the American president was living in a Russian-made ‘disinformation space’, suggesting he’d been duped by Putin. Trump accused Zelenskyy of being a ‘dictator without elections’ and suggested that Ukraine was to blame for the war.

“Well, he is a delusional person I think, and he switches his opinion every other day. And he stays up dreaming about things. So just sit tight and the final message will come through.”

(Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

Prince Albert Mayor Bill Powalinsky could not attend in person but did send a letter which was read by the Veselka Club’s current President Charlene Tebbutt.

“I write to you today with a heavy heart as we mark the solemn occasion of three years since the beginning of the devastating war in Ukraine. The profound impact of this conflict has been felt not only by those who live within Ukraine’s borders, but by all who share in the suffering of humanity,” he said.

Powalinsky went on to state the pain, loss and displacement endured by so many is a reminder of the fragility of peace and the resilience of the human spirit.

“As we reflect on this period of hardship, it is essential to come together in prayer offering our thoughts, hopes, and support for the people of Ukraine. We are united in our prayers and hopes for peace, dedicated to lifting up the lives of all those who are affected by the ongoing war.”

Similar vigils have been planned in many other cities across the country. There’s also a fundraising supper for Ukraine, planned for Feb. 28 in Prince Albert at St. George’s Ukrainian Catholic Church Hall.

Tickets are available in the Gateway Mall in the Ukrainian store. The proceeds will help provide equipment for the Ukranian forces.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Blue Sky: @nigelmaxwell.bsky.social

by Nigel Maxwell

‘We will fight and we will win’: third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine marked with vigil

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