Two years ago, millions of people saw their lives drastically change with the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. On Saturday, dozens of people flying the yellow and blue flag braved the cold in front of the National Assembly, in support of the Ukrainian community.
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“It’s 730 days of full-scale war. 730 days of resilience, heartbreak, suffering, resistance, hope and faith. Despite everything, we await its victorious conclusion even if the ashes accumulate more and more,” began Bogdana, a Ukrainian who lives in Quebec.
Demonstration in support of Ukraine in front of the National Assembly, after two years of war.
“Photo Didier Debusschere”
“To see the Ukrainians holding down the fort despite two years of storm, outrage and trampling on human rights is an inspiration to us all. […] Let’s just hope that we don’t have to meet again for a third year within a year and that peace is finally found,” added the Conservative MP for Louis-Saint-Laurent, Gérard Deltell.
The federal Liberal Minister, Jean-Yves Duclos, the CAQ MP for Montmorency, Jean-François Simard as well as the PQ MP for Jean-Talon, Pascal Paradis, were also present in front of the National Assembly where the flag of the ‘Ukraine.
Jean-François Simard was present at the demonstration in support of Ukraine in front of the National Assembly, after two years of war.
“Photo Didier Debusschere”
“Today there are no more colors. Maybe there are two left, blue and yellow,” mentioned Mr. Simard, referring to the colors of political parties before exclaiming “Slava Ukraini!” [Gloire à l’Ukraine!].
“Protect what you have already built”
Across the country, thousands of Canadians also participated this Saturday in a series of rallies in support of Ukraine. Several people were also gathered near Lévis where emotion was also present.
“Imagine that Montreal, Sherbrooke, Quebec and Lévis are invaded. This is what we have been experiencing for two years and it is very difficult so I hope you never experience this. Defend your democracy and continue to protect what you have already built,” Vadym Khrystyuk told the hundred or so people gathered.
His son, Dariy Khrystyuk, who raised more than $25,000 for the reconstruction of his native country by cycling across Canada this summer, also took the opportunity to deliver a touching message of love and gratitude before returning to road, this time towards Rimouski.
Additional help
In Ukraine to commemorate the two years of the Russian invasion, the Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, visited a small town in the suburbs of Kyiv on Saturday, alongside several other heads of state, including Volodymyr Zelensky.
“Your battle is our battle. You are fighting for your sovereignty, for your territory, for your language, for your culture, for your democracy, but also for our democracy,” the Canadian Prime Minister underlined at Hostomel.
He also took the opportunity to sign a bilateral security agreement, in addition to announcing the sending of approximately $3.02 billion in financial and military aid to Kyiv in 2024, according to a press release from the office. of the Prime Minister.
The Trudeau government also promised to send 800 surveillance drones to Ukraine by the end of spring, before this visit to Ukraine.