Moncton shows strong support for Ukraine at solidarity rally

One Moncton resident said she is worried sick about her family and friends back home in Ukraine as they face invasion from Russia.

Moncton residents came out in droves to support the city’s Ukrainian community for the second time since Russia’s attack began.

Early Saturday afternoon, a sea of blue and yellow flags greeted pedestrians on Main Street, just outside of city hall.

Natalia Zaiets moved to Moncton two and a half years ago with her husband and two children. She is worried sick about her family and friends back home in Ukraine.

“We get up in the early, early morning thinking about them,” said Zaiets.

She said she spends every available minute checking the news.

“I don’t sleep until 12 a.m. to make sure all my relatives are still alive.”

Seeing a big crowd show up for Ukraine makes her feel less alone, she said.

14-year-old Sofia Matkovskya feels helpless seeing images of destruction in her native country. “The first day the war started I couldn’t sleep properly,” she said on Saturday.