Dorchester Square

By Dan Laxer
The Suburban

“Arm Ukraine! Save the World!” was one of the slogans shouted at the march held held last week to mark the third anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Hundreds showed up to march through downtown, from Dorchester Square to a rally at Phillips Square. The accumulated snow of two storms was brightened by the yellow and blue of hundreds of Ukrainian flags. There were banners saying “Stop Russian aggression” and “Hold Russia accountable.”

Several dignitaries and politicians were on hand, including Liberal MP Francis Scarpaleggia who said “Ukraine is us,” and “Defending liberty in Ukraine is defending liberty everywhere.” The honourary Consul of Ukraine also spoke, as did Michael Shwec, president of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress.

“The Ukrainian population has shown incredible resilience,” Shwec said. “Everyone thought that after three days Ukraine would be finished. Three years later we continue to defend ourselves, to defend democracy, to defend the same values as the west, the same values as all Quebecers.”

Shwec thanked Canada and Quebec for giving refuge to Ukrainian families “who came here rather than staying in cities that have been completely destroyed.” Since the invasion 300,000 Ukrainians made their way to Canada. 25,000 now live in Montreal.

“I can’t believe it’s been three years,” says Gregory Bedik, Vice President of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, Quebec Provincial Council. “Who would think that these boys and girls would courageously and heroically defend their country for so long?”

And it’s not just a war, Bedik says. “They want to annihilate the memory of what Ukrainians are.”

Shwec called for continued western support, telling the crowd at the rally not to forget about the war, “because if Ukraine falls, it’s certain that Putin will keep going.” There will not be peace in Ukraine, Shwec said, until Russia ends the occupation, the murder and rape end, and Ukraine is given back to Ukrainians.

Bedik agreed, saying the international community needs to do more. “Until the war is over,” he said, “it’s not enough.” n