Thousands rally across Canada for Ukraine on anniversary of Russia’s invasion

Thousands of people rallied across Canada on Friday to mark 365 days of death and violence since Russia's invasion began in Ukraine.

Thousands of people rallied across Canada on Friday to mark 365 days of death and violence since Russia’s invasion began in Ukraine.

Spearheaded by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, some 40 “Stand With Ukraine” events had been planned for major cities across the country, from St. John’s to Whitehorse.

During a rally in Halifax, word of the added tanks drew a loud round of applause from a crowd of about 200 gathered on the city’s central square next to City Hall.

Seventeen-year-old Polina Kozlova, a refugee who escaped from the city of Kherson after it was occupied, said she came to the ceremony to remember Ukrainians who have died — and to show solidarity with her homeland, where her parents and brother still live.

“Despite the fact it’s really cold today I feel warm in my heart and my soul because I’m with my people and I’m hearing my native language and songs, and I feel the support of our nation,” she said.

A few hundred also braved cold weather in Montreal to gather at Dorchester Square. People carrying Ukrainian flags and candles chanted and sang in support of family members and friends in their homeland.

“For me, it was very important (to come here today) because I still have my family and friends over there,” Vlada Polishchuk said.

“I also went to Ukraine in November, and I saw with my own eyes what was happening in Ukraine. I am standing here for the children I saw in Ukraine and for women who have been through hell in occupied territory.”