It’s been three years since Russia invaded Ukraine, starting a war with the country and now U.S President Donald Trump is putting the blame on Ukraine.
On Tuesday, Trump called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky a dictator and suggested Ukraine’s Capital Kyiv was to blame for the war.
“That’s not true. We all know that’s not true. It’s amazing that the world leaders haven’t called Trump on this and only Zelensky has actually called Trump on this,” said Pat Tymchatyn, the president of the Saskatoon Branch for the Ukrainian Canadian Congress.
Tymchatyn believes Trump is lying.
“I think it’s up to us as individuals who have a conscience and are in a democratic country to uphold the truth,” she said.
Meanwhile, back in Saskatchewan, Premier Scott Moe said President Trump needs to be taken seriously.
“We’re seeing some of the comments that are being said today with respect to the tragic invasion of Ukraine by Putin. I don’t think I take those comments literally as well, but I take them very seriously,” Moe said.
NDP MLA for Saskatoon Churchill-Wildwood Keith Jorgenson believes political leaders need to stand up for democracy.
“Ukraine is our ally, Putin is a war criminal. We should be supporting standing up for our values which Ukrainian people share,” he said.
On the weekend, members of Saskatchewan Ukrainian communities will be taking part in a Global Day of Action to mark the third anniversary of the war.
Events are planned in both Saskatoon and Regina.