As many around the world mark the somber three-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, students and others gathered at the University of Saskatchewan (U of S).
Nikita Sereda wasn’t sure if he would survive when the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv where he was studying was bombed on Feb. 24, 2022, the start of Russia’s invasion.
“I remember waking up at 5:00 in the morning to these odd sounds coming from outside, two blocks away from where I was living. And then later finding out that it’s the sounds of war; that Russia has invaded Ukraine,” Nikita Sereda told CTV News.
He was able to flee to Poland and eventually home to Canada, worrying that he had to leave family and friends behind.
Sereda, a student studying to become an Orthodox priest, was part of a service at the U of S Monday, supporting those in Ukraine and remembering the thousands of lives lost in the past three years.
“This is our fight for resilience, and this is our fight for our Ukrainian heritage and awareness. We must stand with them because they’re out there on the front lines,” he said.
Students and others took part, lighting candles hoping to make their solidarity with Ukraine felt.
Nadya Foty-Oneschuk, a professor of Ukrainian Studies, believes it’s important for the world to recognize the misinformation being spread by some world leaders.
“The more people who amplify Ukrainian voices and who draw attention to the lies that are being told, the better,” Foty-Oneschuk says.
In addition to this service and vigil, the University of Saskatchewan Ukrainian Students Association (USUSA) is getting students and others to sign cards of encouragement and support which will be sent to the frontlines in Ukraine.
“We’re encouraging any students and passers by to send their words, on a postcard so that we can communicate to those in Ukraine,” Aleksa Hyra, USUSA co-president said.
Theres a common sentiment emerging from those cards.
“There’s definitely comments about bravery and courage. People really do recognize that and it’s kind of amazing that our students here can be able to kind of acknowledge that,” Jasmyn Rebeyka, USUSA Co-President says.
Foty-Oneschuk says she communicates with family and friends in Ukraine, but hasn’t been there in many years. She’s hopeful she will see them in Ukraine one day.
“I think the only antidote to the last three years will be to finally go back there.”
As for Sereda, he left Ukraine abruptly when the war started, but he too looks forward to returning one day in the future.
“Here I could only do so much for them. It’s only to give them emotional support and to hear about what they’re living through day in, and day out.”
