Montrealers gathered at Phillips Square Saturday to mark four years since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, honouring those killed and renewing calls for continued global support.
The rally brought together members of the city’s Ukrainian community and supporters, many waving blue and yellow flags in a show of solidarity. Speakers reflected on the human toll of the war and the ongoing impact on families both abroad and in Canada.
“I feel sad because for four years now people have been dying every day in my country,” said Mariia Barhan, a Ukrainian who arrived in Montreal two years ago.
Michael Shwec, president of the Canadian Ukrainian Congress in Quebec, said many families remain separated by the war.
“It’s very tough for some of them because a lot of them, it’s just the mother and the children who are here, the fathers are still on the front lines in the army,” said Shwec.
Organizers say millions remain displaced within Ukraine, facing shrinking aid, harsh winters and homes destroyed by fighting. Since the invasion began in 2022, Canada has welcomed more than 300,000 Ukrainians, including more than 20,000 in Quebec, with many settling in the Greater Montreal area while hoping to eventually return home.
“Before moving to Canada we lived in fear every day because we heard the sirens, but the forced move completely changed our lives,” said Barhan.
Shwec described the scale of the crisis as historic.
“Millions, millions have been displaced. It’s the most significant catastrophic event to hit, especially since the Second World War,” he said.
Four years into the conflict, the human toll remains staggering, with nearly two million military casualties and tens of thousands of civilians killed.
“Everybody has family. Some are closer, some are a little bit more remote, but every Ukrainian you’ll meet here today has a connection, family connection, some so do you think. The feeling is really one of solidarity,” Shwec said.
Barhan said the show of support in Montreal is meaningful.
“I’m so proud of the people who are here because it’s very important to talk about our society,” said Barhan.
Meanwhile, international peace talks continue, but major political and territorial disputes remain unresolved. The European Union has said Russia does not appear ready for peace as attacks on Ukraine continue.
“If Russia stops fighting, the war is over tomorrow. If Ukraine stops fighting, Ukraine is over tomorrow,” said Shwec.
