Kitchener rally marks third anniversary of Russia-Ukraine conflict

Kitchener is marking the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine with a rally at Kitchener’s Carl Zehr Square as part of a global day of action.

“We hate these anniversaries; we don’t want any more anniversaries,” said Olga Strasburger, who fled from Ukraine with her husband in September 2024.

Sunday afternoon’s event was held by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, Waterloo-Wellington branch, in partnership with Grassroots Response to the Ukrainian Crisis, a non-profit organization that helps Ukrainian newcomers resettle in the region.

“We lived in our garage underground when we came here,” explained Strasburger. “All of these people lived with beds, with animals, with children. We lived [there], all of us.”

“We estimated around 1,000 people [we are] currently supporting in Waterloo Region right now,” said Stephanie Goertz, founder of Grassroots Response to the Ukrainian Crisis. “But with our hosting network, which has over 240 people, families have opened up their homes...we’ve had over 17 transitional houses over the last two years, there are 14 that are still operational.”

The rally brought together advocates, community members and local leaders, who stood shoulder to shoulder in solidarity.

“We just want to stop this immediately. We just want that this bloodshed stopped and that’s it,” said an emotional Strasburger.

The call for support resonated with all in attendance, including the younger generation of Ukrainian newcomers.

“We hope the war is going to end soon and we will return to Ukraine and live a peaceful life,” said local student and newcomer, Ivan Belishko.

“They’re still trying to destroy us and trying and destroy Ukraine. That’s very, very sad,” added 12-year-old newcomer, Maksym Krugenko.

But beyond the war, there’s growing unease. Goertz noted that political uncertainty - both globally and here at home with the provincial election - is weighing heavily on people’s minds.

“It’s connected to shifts of how our provincial government can combat or respond,” she said. “It’s about voting for people that understand freedom, democracy and understand the importance of humanitarian support for people that are fleeing war.”

As part of the rally, Carl Zehr Square will be illuminated in Ukraine’s national colors, joining hundreds of cities worldwide in a powerful act of unity.

The United Nations estimates at least 12, 654 civilians have been killed and more than 29,000 injured since Feb. 24, 2022, the day Russia launched its invasion.