Marco Levytsky, NP-UN Western Bureau Chief
Over 1500 people packed St. Basil’s Ukrainian Catholic Church in Edmonton for a vigil marking the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, February 24.
The sombre event, which was jointly organized by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), Edmonton Branch, the Ukrainian National Youth Federation (UNYF) Edmonton Branch, UCC Alberta Provincial Council and the Axios Men’s Ensemble opened by a Prayer Service jointly conducted by Metropolitan Ilarion of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada and Bishop David, Edmonton Eparch of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church along with concelebrating clergy from both denominations. Axios expertly sang the responses that resonated solemnly throughout the chamber.
Axios Choir
This was followed by greetings from numerous government representatives and community leaders. Among the strongest statements were those by Edmonton Strathcona MP Heather McPherson and Poland’s Honorary Consul to Edmonton John Szumlas.
Heather McPherson
McPherson, who also serves as the NDP’s Foreign Affairs Critic and the Vice Chair of the Canada-Ukraine Parliamentary Friendship Groups informed the audience about her 2023 visit to Ukraine. “I saw the horrible destruction Vladimir Putin and the Russian Federation had inflicted upon the Ukrainian people. I saw the targeting of civilian infrastructure, the bombing of apartments, the destruction of playgrounds, I saw a stroller beside a burned-out bridge where the mother and child had lost their lives during the invasion in the first days. It was horrifying. It will stay with me for the rest of my life. While I was there, I also saw incredible strength and resilience of the Ukrainian people.,” she said.
That resilience “means that Canada must be with Ukraine now and forever,” she continued. “I was proud that our entire parliament voted unanimously on a motion that I brought forward calling what has happened in Ukraine for what it is – a genocide against Ukrainian people. I’m proud that all parties stood together to ensure that we kid what we could for Ukraine.
“But it hasn’t been enough, and we need to do more. We need to strengthen our sanctions regime. We need to make sure that we have military aid that is getting to Ukraine. Humanitarian aid. We need to help Ukraine rebuild and we need to support justice for Ukrainians and every person, everyone has to be held accountable for the crimes they have committed against Ukraine and Ukrainian people.”
Szumlas attacked US President Donald Trump’s policy of bowing to Russian demands comparing it to that of British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain who in 1938 agreed to let Hitler take over Czech Sudetenland, which led to his takeover of the rest of Czechoslovakia six months later and World War II six months after that.
“Unlike a few countries in Europe, Poland does not and will not accept the new Neville Chamberlain – Donald’s assurance of the outcome of appeasement. Nor should any of us stand aside and give the Russian mad-man Sudetenland, I should say Eastern Ukraine and Crimea.
“This century's Chamberlain states that if Ukraine sacrifices Eastern Ukraine and Crimea, peace will be achieved.
“I say utter nonsense! Those who read history or have parents that came from Central and Eastern Europe and shared some of their experiences with you will fully understand that appeasement with a mad-man who's lust is to rebuild the Soviet Empire will only delay his mission, not stop it!” he said adding “as has been said so many times: “Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”
Representing the federal government, Edmonton-Centre MP Randy Boissonnault also took a swipe at Trump.
“Donald Trump has said that he would sell out Ukraine to Putin. He has shown the world again and again that he doesn’t stand for democracy. He would abandon Ukraine, weaken NATO, and embolden dictators like Putin,” he said.
“Canada will not allow that to happen…because this fight is bigger than any one leader or any one election. It is about the principles that define us as Canadians. It is about ensuring that our children and grandchildren and our great-grandchildren inherit a world where democracy rules and where there is not this principle of ‘might makes right’, and where not just in Kyiv, but in Edmonton and in Ottawa and in cities around the world we know we can wake up to a liberal democracy,” added Boissonnault.
Randy Boissonnault
He also pledged that Canada will support the 300,000 refugees that have come since 2022 “for as long as it needs to make sure that Ukraine is safe and free once again”.
Representing the Official Opposition Edmonton-Manning MP Ziad Aboultaif stated:
“For the last three years, we have witnessed the unprovoked and unjust invasion of Ukraine and war crimes committed by Putin's barbaric war machine. But for the last three years, we have also witnessed the incredible resilience and bravery of the Ukrainian people who defied all expectations as they fought for their homeland. Today we reconfirm our support for Ukraine and to stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukrainian people as they protect their right to self-determination, human rights, liberty, sovereignty, and democracy.”
Ziad Aboultaif
Speaking on behalf of the Government of Alberta, Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk, MLA for Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville and Parliamentary Secretary for Settlement Services and Ukrainian Evacuees focussed on the support her government has given Ukrainian evacuees, 65,000 of whom have come to Alberta.
“The welcoming attitude of Ukrainian and non-Ukrainian Albertans alike has been essential in helping people go from evacuees to our friends, our coworkers and our neighbours. While we cannot erase the devastation and loss of the people of Ukraine, I hope the welcome, warmth and stability they have found in Alberta have sparked hope for a brighter future. I stand with Ukraine. Alberta stands with Ukraine. Canada stands with Ukraine,” she said.
Armstrong-Homeniuk also read out a letter from Premier Danielle Smith who stated “the world stands in admiration of the courage and resilience of the Ukrainian people” adding that the Government of Alberta will continue working with other levels of government and the business community to help displaced Ukrainians settle into life in the province.
Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk
Speaking for the Official Opposition, Edmonton-Glenora MLA Sarah Hoffman, whose grandparents came from Ukraine paid tribute to all who have died in this conflict adding: “One thing that's been very different about this this genocide than from other attempts to eradicate the Ukrainian people is how many people have cell phones that are able to document what's happening. And I think about the conflict of what we've seen on the ground but I also think about this one little girl who in that first week three years ago was singing in a bunker, frozen.
Sarah Hoffman
“I don't know if you're missing it but this little girl five years old trying to bring some joy to the people in her life and so much of her life is now being spent in the midst of this unjust war and unjust occupation of the sovereign nation and the sovereign people to be able to defend their language their culture and their identity.”
Representing the City of Edmonton, Councillor Karen Principe said: “Over the past three years, we have witnessed unimaginable loss, destruction, and suffering. But we have also seen incredible resilience, courage, and unity. The people of Ukraine continue to fight not just for their country, but for democracy, for sovereignty, and for the fundamental values that we all hold dear.
Karen Principe
“Here in Edmonton, the Ukrainian community has long been an essential part of our city’s cultural fabric. Your traditions, your perseverance, and your contributions enrich us all. And as you carry the pain of this war, please know that your city stands with you—not just today, but always.
“We must continue to amplify the voices of those affected, to advocate for peace, and to support efforts that bring relief and hope to those in need. Let tonight be not just a moment of remembrance, but also a call to action—a reminder that even in the darkest times, our shared humanity must light the way forward.”
Viktoria Bozhko, Consul of Ukraine in Edmonton noted that the history of Ukraine demonstrates that freedom does not come lightly but has to be fought for.
She recalled that on February 24, 2022, she was in Croatia serving as the consul but her husband was at Antonov Airport which was the first target of Russian missiles when it launched the full-scale invasion.
Those first days “showed the world that the spirit, faith and dignity make us unconquerable,” said and thanked everybody who has supported Ukraine kin this struggle.
UCC Alberta President Orysia Boychuk said this is not just Ukraine’s war but a fight for democracy itself.
“Every day, Ukrainians defend not only their land but the very principles that define the free world—sovereignty, self-determination, and the right to live without fear of tyranny/dictatorship. They are not just holding their own against Russia; they are proving that courage, unity, and the will of the people can defy even the greatest odds.”
Ukraine has paid a heavy price but cannot do it alone, she continued.
“The Western world must step up, not just with words, but with action. More military aid, more economic support, more commitment to ensuring that Ukraine does not just survive, but wins.
“Because when we support Ukraine, we support Western democracy. Recent rhetoric and behaviors from our neighbours to the south have included calling President Zelenskyy a dictator, demanding access to Ukraine’s resources, and proposing deals with Russia over Ukraine’s fate, this reveals a dangerous trend. It is a reminder that democracy is not guaranteed—it must be defended. The idea that we are immune from dictatorship is a dangerous illusion. If we allow Ukraine to fall, we open the door for authoritarianism to spread, not just in Eastern Europe, but across the world, including our own nations,” added Boychuk.
UCC Edmonton President Dmytro Petrushchak said that when Russia invaded they thought Ukraine would collapse in days but they underestimated the Ukrainian people. Three years later, Ukraine still stands—unshaken and undefeated.
“But the cost has been devastating. Entire cities lie in ruins. Families have been torn apart. Over 156,000 war crimes have been committed—executions, rapes, the abduction of children, and the demolition of Ukrainian identity.
“Canada has rightfully recognized this as genocide.
At this turning point, one thing is painfully clear: we can no longer rely on the United States as a steady ally. Its shifting stance leaves a dangerous void. It is now up to Canada and the EU to step up.
“Now is the time to act—because victory is the only option.
“Anything less than Ukraine’s victory restores confidence in dictatorships and totalitarian regimes, fueling their growing appetite for conquest, war, and destruction,” he added.
MC duties were handled by UCC Edmonton Secretary and current UNYF President Diana Kotsyuba who spoke in English and UNYF Past President Inna Ivchenko who provided the Ukrainian translation.
The war in Ukraine is not over,” they said in closing. “It continues every day. And only together, and with the world’s support, can we ensure that this unjust war ends as soon as possible, that freedom and democracy will prevail, that Russia—the terrorist state—will be held accountable for all its war crimes, and that the sacrifices of the Ukrainian people will not have been in vain. We have present with us today representatives from all over the world – Canada, France, Poland, Ireland, Germany, Belgium, Lebanon, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Lithuania. We can see that we’re not alone in this fight. So, please, continue to stand with Ukraine.”
Following the program in the church itself, participants walked over to the Cultural Centre for “The War Is Not Over” Exhibition of UNYF Edmonton, and the Ukrainian War Requiem CD Release by Axios.
Share on Social Media
