Saskatchewan honours Ukrainians on 3rd anniversary of Russia’s invasion

On Monday, events were held across Saskatchewan to commemorate the three-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The province has welcomed nearly 8,000 Ukrainian refugees who have fled the conflict since then. One of the events held in Saskatoon was a photo exhibit at the Musée Ukraina, showcasing the damage done to religious temples in Ukraine during the war.

The exhibit features photos of over 660 religious sites that have been destroyed or damaged, many of which were historic or cultural landmarks. The president of the museum, Anna Mycyck, emphasized the importance of preserving these buildings for the well-being of the people and their faith. She stated that the exhibit is just a fraction of the ongoing destruction in Ukraine and hopes to educate visitors about the impact of the war on the country’s heritage.

The exhibit, which was taken from an exhibit in Kyiv, Ukraine, is expected to remain on display until Easter. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also visited Ukraine on Monday, along with other Western political leaders, to show Canada’s support for the country. This visit comes in the wake of U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial remarks about Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Trudeau reassured European leaders that Canada stands with Ukraine and is committed to enforcing a possible peace agreement. He also acknowledged the need for increased military spending and global security participation in light of the growing uncertainty in the world. Political figures in Saskatchewan, including Opposition leader Carla Beck and Legislative Secretary Jamie Martens, expressed their solidarity with the Ukrainian community and condemned the ongoing war.

To support displaced Ukrainians, the province is offering access to language training, settlement services, community support, and job connections. The Provincial Capital Commission has also announced funding for the restoration of the Holodomor Monument in Regina’s Wascana Centre, which commemorates the man-made famine that affected Ukrainian people in the 1930s. Ceremonies were held at various locations across the province, including the Ukrainian Museum of Canada in Saskatoon and St. Thomas More College’s Chapel, to honor the victims of the war and show solidarity with Ukraine.