Hundreds of people gathered in Old Montreal to celebrate Ukraine’s independence and denounce the deadly Russian strikes that have been going on in this country for six months.
“Every day I call my mother to make sure she is still alive. I want to show my family there that I am thinking of them during this holiday, even if they are thousands of kilometers from me,” says Diria Kandrytavn, 22.
This young refugee, who arrived in Quebec only three months ago, wanted to be surrounded by her community for the 31e anniversary of independence of Ukraine. Around 300 people gathered to shine the blue and yellow colors in Place Saint-Jacques.
The Journal noted on the spot that most of the participants were of Ukrainian origin or had relatives who remained in their country to defend the citizens against the Russian army.
“My family, who live in Marhanets, have been bombed for two weeks. Half of our little town is already destroyed. I am here with the others to support my country and to give them hope,” explains Ustmenko Yulia with tears in her eyes.
A bitter party
The latter, dressed in a traditional dress and a crown of flowers in the colors of her country, insists that the rally is above all to demand an end to the war in Ukraine.
“We are at this celebration with bitterness because we are celebrating the independence of Ukraine while an aggressor country is in the process of invading our country. It’s important to be here and tell everyone: despite the war, we still believe in our independence,” says Halyna Lykhoshva.
One more strike
Six months after the invasion, a Russian rocket attack took place on Wednesday during this holiday in Ukraine. At least 22 people died and dozens were injured at a train station.
According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, at least five of the victims of the attack in the city of Chaplyne, in the east of the country, were burned to death in a vehicle. An 11-year-old boy was also killed during this strike.
“When we see what is still happening today in Ukraine, we just want it to stop and peace to return,” concludes John Chepurnaty, waving a flag with the words “F*ck Poutine”.