‘We hope that war will end soon’: Ukrainian Manitobans mark grim anniversary

A solemn event in Winnipeg marked the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Danton Unger reports.

A solemn anniversary was marked Tuesday, as four years ago Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

In Manitoba, it was a quiet day, marked by prayer and reflection.

Vasylyna Kobetiak fled Ukraine shortly before the invasion in 2022. She joined others in Winnipeg’s Ukrainian community at Saint Joseph’s Ukrainian Catholic Church to mark the grim anniversary.

“I’m praying for peace in Ukraine,” said Kobetiak. “This is the most important and to support all those people who are there right now.”

“All we must have is faith and hope,” said Joanne Lowandosky, the president of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress in Manitoba. “There is an end, but when? How? Why? None of us have answers.”

An estimated 30,000 Ukrainians have come to Manitoba since the war began, according to Lowandosky. Many of those people have made a new home here.

“Manitoba has welcomed (them) through their very popular nominee program and permanent residency is next in their minds.”

Alexandra Romanenko is one of those people. Her home was destroyed in Kharkiv two years ago. Now, she and her husband are building a new life here.

“I hope we can stay because we’re planning a family here. We’re planning a baby here. We want to buy an apartment for us,” said Romanenko.

But always on her mind is the hope that this war will come to an end.

It’s a hope that was shared by hundreds who rallied in Manitoba on Sunday, calling for support in Ukraine’s fight.

Calls that echoed across the country at similar events marking the milestone of war.

In the pews of the church, those calls will continue, through quiet but steadfast prayers for peace.

“Just peace and hope. We hope that war will end soon and everything will be fine,” said Kobetiak.