One year after Russia's invasion, Londoners showed continued support for Ukraine

Hundreds of Londoners marked a solemn anniversary outside of City Hall on Friday, standing in solidarity with Ukraine one year after Russia's invasion of the country.

The candlelit vigil was organized by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress' (UCC) London Chapter and started at 6 p.m.

"These [Russians] are people who said, 'In three days, Kyiv will fall.' Well, now it's one year after this day, and we still stand," said Galyna Dovja, a Ukrainian refugee who has been in London for two months.

On Feb. 24, 2022, Russian forces crossed into Ukraine from the north, east, and south, beginning a year long war that had been brewing since NATO officials first made mention of Russian forces amassing on Ukraine's border. It marked the beginning of a major change in world politics.

For millions of Ukrainians, Feb. 24, 2022, marked the beginning of a mass exodus, a loss of their homes, livelihoods and way of life, and the shattering of their families.

Dovja's family was not immune. She told CBC News, her and her son made their way from Ukraine, to Poland, then to Portugal, before coming to Canada. Meanwhile, her husband stayed behind to fight Russia, and her grandmother stayed in Kyiv.

"He feels OK one moment because he knows his son is safe," she said, about her husband. "But then he remembers, it may be the last day of his life."

Yeheve Bobiliaskyi's father stayed behind to defend his country.

He hasn't heard from him in two months.

"It's really important for me to stay here and show all people that I'm Ukrainian and proud. I try to do as much as I can for Ukraine," Bobiliaskyi, who came to London in June, said.

Across the world, "Slava Ukraini," meaning glory to Ukraine, has become a rallying call, and the saying's popularity was on display at the vigil in London. More than signs and sayings though, actions showed solidarity on Friday.

"To gather and mark this horrendous invasion gives a sense of recognition that Canadians stand with Ukraine," said Ola Nowosad, of the London Chapter of the UCC, and the event's organizer.

"It really gives you an idea of how much people care to show up on such a cold bitter day. It also makes you realize that there are people on the other side of the ocean in Ukraine without power or heat dealing with the same weather," said Londoner Alexander Tokarewicz.

Throughout the past year, London and the surrounding area has become known as the new, hopefully for some temporary, home for hundreds of Ukrainians. CBC London spoke to a number of Ukrainians, both from within and outside of Canada, who shared their stories with the hope that the world could understand and learn from their plight.