THUNDER BAY – Cathy Paroschy-Harris has family that’s fled the Ukrainian capital of Kiyiv, desperately trying to escape the unprovoked Russian invasion of the European nation.
She’s got friends who have hunkered down in bomb shelters, trying to avoid becoming casualties of the attack, which is being condemned world-wide for its brutality, a war begun to stroke the ego of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
On Saturday she joined a crowd of about 200 supporters, many waving Ukrainian flags or hoisting up blue and yellow signs, the country’s flag flying with officials status outside the Thunder Bay municipal office, in protesting the attack.
“Down with Putin,” the crowd yelled in unison.
“He’s a war criminal!” they added.
It was a day filled with emotions for Paroschy-Harris.
“This is actually wonderful. It was so wonderful to see the support from our Thunder Bay community, many Ukrainians, but there were a lot of non-Ukrainians here, saying they are supporting Ukraine because it’s the wrong thing that’s happening there,” Paroschy-Harris said.
It’s shameful, heart-wrenching and horrific to see the nation of her ancestors under attack.
“On a daily basis I’m trying to touch bases with relatives and friends. I have family in Kyiv who have abandoned Kyiv, left their homes and jobs and don’t know what they will ever come back to, if they can,” Paroschy-Harris said.
“The situation is so unknown. They’ve fled to Western Ukraine. I have friends who have stayed in Kyiv that are hiding out in bomb shelters and I fear for their safety. There’s so much uncertainty.”
Walter Warywoda, president of the Thunder Bay chapter of the League of Ukrainian Canadians, helped organize Satruday’s rally, which included the singing in unison of the Ukrainian national anthem, as well as speeches from local dignitaries expressing support for Ukraine.
It’s still gut-wrenching to watch it all unfold in real time.
“These are unprecedented times. Who would ever believe that in 2022 we’d be fighting a conventional war against an innocent nation, one striving for democracy,” Warywoda said. “One has to realize this is a battle for Europe, for democracies abroad. It’s larger than this. It’s a big deal and people’s lives are at stake here.”
The message to Russia and, in particular to its people, is to stand up to Putin and the network of billionaire Russian oligarchs that control the country.
“They’re not fools. They know what’s going on in the world. They’re connected, but they’re subjugated to the oppression that Putin imposes on them. They’re getting the message. (Russians) can live as well as anyone can in the world, but they have to stand up against the evil tyrant that Putin is,” Warywoda said.
Liberal MP Patty Hajdu was among the politicians on hand and called it a time of darkness for the world. Hajdu said Canada has pledged to do everything in its powers to help Ukraine fight back. The country has imposed sanctions on Putin and his cronies, and cancelled export permits, as well as providing weapons, both lethal and non-lethal.
“It’s significant financial support too,” she said. “I think we’re up to $500 million. We’ve said we’ll be there for Ukraine for as long as it takes.”
Hadju added it’s important for allies and NATO to work together to provide the support the most effective support in their effort to fight for democracy and sovereignty.
“Those conversations continue to be ongoing. This isn’t over by a long shot. Canada will be there, whether it’s consular support, support for refugees, financial support ... or military support. We’ll take it a day at a time and certainly all options are on the table as we explore what next steps might look like with our allies.”
Her Thunder Bay-Rainy River colleague, Marcus Powlowski, called for an even harsher response, demanding Russia be kicked off the United Nation’s Security Council and for surface-to-air missiles to be sent to Ukraine.
“Only a madman kills his own brothers and that’s what Putin is,” the second-term Liberal MP said.
