Edmonton rallies in support of Ukraine on second anniversary of Russian invasion
As the war in Ukraine reached the start of a third year, Edmontonians were invited to reflect on the conflict and the devastation it has caused.
Saturday was the second anniversary of Russia's full-scale attack on Ukraine, which has killed tens of thousands of Ukrainians.
Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in Violet King Henry Plaza Saturday to reflect on the war and call for renewed support for Ukraine.
"We want to keep this in front of the world's minds so that the support for Ukraine continues," said Yaroslav Broda, president of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Edmonton Branch.
"Because if we don't support now, if support waivers now, Ukraine will be stuck in a frozen conflict. That's exactly what Russia wants."
Orysia Boychuk, President Ukrainian Canadian Congress, Alberta Provincial Council said Edmonton's rally was part of global demonstrations marking the second anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
"Two years, I never thought this would take two years," Boychuk said. "We're all very overwhelmed and devastated that today we are commemorating this day.
"And we need the support of everybody in the world and everybody here in Alberta."
Saturday, the Alberta Council for Ukrainian Arts launched a photography exhibit aimed at connecting people with the conflict thousands of kilometres away.
Moments from the Battleground – the Photographs of Maxim Dondyuk offers viewers a glimpse of the war from the streets and countrysides of Ukraine.
From soldiers and displaced residents to cities and towns in ruin, the exhibit highlights the impact the fighting has had on the people and places of Ukraine, as well as the community's resistance.
"It's a mixture of sadness and tragedy," said local photographer Paul Swanson, who worked closely with Dondyuk to curate the show.
The show is designed to be a call to action, and Swanson hopes the images help viewers connect personally with the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.
''Numbers are one thing, but to be able to tie it in with something that you can sort of visually chew through and understand is a great next step," he said.
The exhibit is available online and in person at the Alberta Council for Ukrainian Arts gallery.
For Ukrainians who fled the war, the images remain fresh in their minds.
Natalia Vynohdradova moved to Edmonton last year. She vividly remembers the first days of the invasion.
"Just panic," she said. "We don't know what we should do, where we should [go].
"Kids start crying, my son asks me, "Mom, we all die?'"
Vynohdradova said the war's anniversary will be hard for people who have lost loved ones, and it's a reminder that fighting is not over.
"Remind [the] whole world that war in Ukraine still there, and still people are going to die," she added.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.