As Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine continues, stories of resilience, grief, and solidarity are still unfolding in London, Ontario.
Students and experts gathered at Western University to mark the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
“Every single day starts with bombing alerts,” said Valentina Couz, a third-year political science student at Western University, describing what her relatives have been telling her. “Children can’t go to school without hiding in shelters, people are freezing, there’s no consistent electricity or water.”
Also, Sofia, a third-year student and president of the Western Ukrainian Club, shared her experience moving to Canada months before the invasion began.
“I was crying, calling my grandmother in Kyiv, who had not yet heard the explosions and was trying to stay safe. I remember going days without sleep.” She said.
Her message to fellow Ukrainians abroad is a call for compassion and unity.
One of the guest speakers at the event, Veteran Ukrainian journalist Andriy Kulikov, travelled from Kyiv to speak to a Canadian audience about the importance of international dialogue.
“Just reading reports is not sufficient; people should know each other. You should look into someone’s eyes and see sincerity,” he said. “We should not confuse objectivity with neutrality.”
He remarked that while neutrality may be impossible when one’s country is under attack, journalists must remain objective when reporting about the invasion.
On the other hand, a human rights activist and veteran shared his experience as a former prisoner of war.
“There are many other tragedies in the world,” said Maxim Butkevich, “but we still see a lot of international solidarity with Ukraine, and that is why it is important to speak to audiences abroad.”
Organizers say events like this aim to keep Ukraine’s story visible.
