Winnipeggers reflect on the one-year anniversary of war in Ukraine

Friday, Feb. 24th will mark the one-year anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. A year that has seen constant destruction and death. Millions have been forced out of their homes and have been forced out of their country.

“We’re being traumatized by this war,” Iryna Konstantiuk, Senior Instructor, Ukrainian Language & Culture, University of Manitoba.

As the end of winter nears, and the beginning of spring is on the horizon, Iryna Konstantiuk says the fighting on the ground is starting to ramp up, especially in the Bakhmut area. She says there is no short-term end to this war.

“It’s going to take us until the end of the year, it is going to take time. We need to end this war. We need to gain victory. Otherwise, the world will continue to be under constant threat.”

NATO countries, including Canada and the United States, have continuously provided aid and support to Ukraine. Most recently, the German government approved the delivery of Leopard tanks to Kyiv. Konstantiuk says that it’s imperative that these countries continue to provide weapons and aid to Ukraine because the Russians won’t stop.

Konstantiuk says “the Russian army will go further. First to Moldova, then to the Baltic States, and then to Poland. It is obvious that the enemy needs to stop and Ukraine needs support.”

Since the start of CUEAT, or the Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel program in March 2022, nearly 160,000 Ukrainians have arrived and settled in Canada. The federal government has received over 839,000 applications and has approved over 540,000 of them. Manitoba, specifically, has welcomed around 13,000 Ukrainians.

“We do have a tremendous record of welcoming people from all backgrounds. Partnerships and collaborations based on our diversity have helped open a lot of doors, and a lot of arms and wallets, as well,” said Nick Krawetz, Volunteer supporting Ukrainian refugees in Manitoba.

Krawetz says Manitoba, in particular, is a leader across the country in accepting and providing support to Ukrainians. He says there are hundreds, if not, thousands of Manitobans volunteering at the refugee center and Manitoba is the only province to provide a temporary accommodations program, giving Ukrainian refugees, 30 days of free shelter when they land in Winnipeg.

Krawetz says “it gives them a chance to breathe, relax, acclimatize themselves to their new environment. Gives them a chance to get their documents in order, trying to find a job and apartment, daycare for their children. It gives them breathing space for these people.”

The federal CUAET program is set to expire on March 31st, 2023, with no word yet from Ottawa whether there will be an extension. Krawetz says this extension is crucial and needs to happen soon.

“It is absolutely vital because the war is not going to be stopping anytime soon, certainly not before March. Quite frankly, the spring and summer in Ukraine, we may see the most violent phase of the invasion,” said Krawez

Konstantiuk added, “let’s continue what we are doing. Fighting, helping, contributing to this victory. That is very important.”