London’s Ukrainian community responds as Russia intensifies it’s attack on Ukraine

On February 24, Russian forces launched a large-scale military attack on Ukraine. 

Credit: AMY SIMON
“How many more deaths and losses must it take to secure the skies over Ukraine?” Said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Russian President Valdimir Putin commensed the invasion on live television, saying that the goal of the assault was the “denazification” of Ukraine– an allied initiative used after the Second World War to rid German and Austrian society and culture of Nazi ideology.

Putin added that anyone trying to interfere “would be met with such consequences that have never been experienced in history.”

Shell bombs continue to turn infrastructres to rubble in Europe’s now second biggest land conflict since the Second World War. 

While the total death toll remains uncertain, the United Nations estimates at least 350 civilian deaths. But says that number could be “considerably higher” as the refugee agency says more than two  million people have fled the country. 

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky is calling for the boycott of Russian exports, particularly oil, and to impose a no-fly zone. 

“How many more deaths and losses must it take to secure the skies over Ukraine?” he expressed in a video message.

London, Ont., Ukrainian population currently stands at 10,000 people. With 56 being international students attending Fanshawe College, among those is broadcast journalism student Lana Stryhan. 

“We didn’t think that Russia would attack,” says Stryhan. “But I guess there was always an enemy in the neighborhood.”

Stryhan says that everyday is like a “never-ending nightmare” with her family still back home in Ukraine. 

“The only thing I think about is my family, friends, and my country,“ says Stryhan. “But the London community has stepped up in supporting Ukraine, myself along with it.”

On February 28, hundreds rallied at London’s Victoria Park in support of Ukraine. The protest was organised by Volodymyr Vorobets, the president of London’s Ukrainian Centre. 

“We want to send a message,” says Vorobets. “We want to raise awareness, and we want our government to take a stronger stace and make faster options.”

Canada has since donated $25-million in defensive equipment to help in Ukraines fight for freedom. Immigration Minister Sean Fraser also announced that in seeking refuge, an “unlimited number” of Ukrainian’s can qualify for a fast-tracked visa to work in Canada for up to two years. 

Tatiana Dawidenko, vice president of the London Ukrainian Centre, sends her thank you’s through a heavy heart as support continues to be displayed across the city for her home country. 

“You don’t know how amazing a city like London is until you see the support it’s people provide,” says Dawidenko. 

Through tears, Dawidenko adds that “while these violent acts against my country are horrible, at least now the world knows how Ukrainians fight.”

Going back to Stryhan, she says that the shell bombs and acts of terror are only destroying Ukraines past identity. 

“Even if they’re bombing us, those buildings were from USSR. We will build something new upon the ruins and we will create a new Ukraine.” 

Once again referencing Fanshawe’s Ukrainian student population, President Peter Devlin highlights that above all else, Fanshawe College is a supportive community.

“There’s wonderful care and compassion for each other,” says Devlin.

Before joining Fanshawe, President Devlin served 35 years in the Canadian Armed Forces and retired commanding the Canadian Army at the rank of Lieutenant General. 

“More than anything else, I am horrified that Russia first invaded Ukraine,” says Devlin. “It breaks our hearts as we think about the people of Ukraine and the humanitarian circumstances. But we’re grateful that neighbors have opened their arms, facilities and resources.”

But as Russia’s attacks on Ukraine don’t seem to be slowing down, Marnie Wedlake, psychotherapist and professor at Western University’s Faculty of Health Sciences, says it’s important to manage personal feelings during times of tragedy.

“The threat of nuclear weapons means that this is no longer isolated to just that part of Europe,” says Wedlake. “This coming at almost the three year mark of a global pandemic that has asked a lot of everybody emotionally.”

Wedlake says to “tune into yourself, see where you’re at, and see what it is you need in order to stay informed while not feeling flooded.”

So as the world watches and waits for more updates on the situation in Ukraine, Londoners are still raising their voices in support and solidarity as the phrase “slava ukraini, heroyam slava” [glory to Ukraine, glory to the heroes] trends with each passing day. 

 The London Ukrainian Centre is accepting donations from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 247 Adelaide Street South. Electronic money transfers can also be sent to info@londonukrainiancentre.ca.