It has been almost three years since Ukraine was invaded by Russia and the war continues to devastate.
Some Saskatchewan locals are reflecting on the state of the war and doing what they can to raise awareness and support the fighting day after day.
“I didn't think it would last this long,” said Nikita Sereda, a Ukrainian student.
Sereda was born in Canada, but was studying theology in Jharkiv, Ukraine, when Russia began its invasion in 2022. Sereda said he woke up to “loud noises coming from outside” at 5 a.m. on February 24.
“I was hearing all these noises and then soon (I got) messages saying that Russia invaded Ukraine… Knowing it was the sounds of tanks and shelling, well, two blocks from where I lived.
“It was at that moment that I was really worried about what to do in this situation because, as a Canadian, I have never experienced that.”
Sereda said it's an experience he “will have to live with for almost the rest of my life.”
Lee Reaney, war correspondent and senior editor at The New Voice of Ukraine, frequently travels to Ukraine from Saskatoon.
He has been working in Ukraine since 2012 and was present when Russia captured Crimea.
“Every aspect of society has changed,” Reaney said.
“Every school has a bomb shelter now. Every university is a bomb shelter. Most workplaces have bomb shelters.”
Tanya Baran is the medical protagonist of Ukrainian Patriot, an organization that provides medical support to citizens and soldiers affected by the Russian invasion. She drives unmarked ambulances to the Russian target and helped supply first aid kits to the front lines.
He returns to Ukraine for the sixth time to help wherever he can.
“(I'm) feeling a little nervous and anxious because it's been a year (since I was last there) and a lot has changed. But I know that once I plant my feet in Ukraine, it will almost feel like home again,” Baran said.
“I hate to say you get used to (war), but you do. I sleep through airstrikes, so you understand the feeling of the sounds of incoming and outgoing artillery,” Baran said.
Reaney says the things happening in Ukraine are simply unjustifiable and hopes those responsible are held accountable for the carnage.
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“Russia right now is carrying out genocidal actions, killing the parents and then taking the children to Russia and indoctrinating them to be Russian. That's actually been charged as a war crime.”
Reaney said: “It's about life and death.”
“It's about whether a country continues to exist.”
He adds that Ukrainians feel angry and tired.
“How do people feel? They hate Russians, and in particular they hate the Russian government, the Russian leadership, Vladimir Putin himself.
“I think they are particularly tired of war. This is an existential war.”
Reaney said Ukrainians need to fight until a resolution is found that they feel is fair.
“They need to keep fighting and keep fighting alongside everyone else in the country, trust their countrymen to keep fighting until, something changes, until the Russians stop bombing the country and pulling out the troops.”
With many not seeing an end to the conflict anytime soon, Sereda said he spends much of his time thinking about his family in Ukraine and worrying about their safety.
“Some days I feel like (it) would probably be better to maybe go back to Ukraine and at least be with the family, and not worry too much about them like I do now.”
He added that Ukrainians are fighting for their culture and traditions to stay alive.
“Our beloved homeland is invaded by aggressors and we have to take a stand on resilience and to show that we have a rich culture, we have rich traditions.”
Baran hopes that the end of the war will come soon for the sake of those caught in the conflict.
“It is heartbreaking to know that it has continued for three years and that many people have been displaced and cities and towns have just been destroyed by the liberation of the Russians.”
Baran wants to remind people to continue offering support where they can drag on war.
“I know many people feel war fatigue. I know I have felt it over the last year and many other people here in Saskatoon feel it. But I just try to remind myself of the people of Ukraine, the feeling that they live 24-7 under airstrikes, bombs, drone attacks and having to move from their homes. So continue to support Ukraine.”
If you want to help those in Ukraine, there are options like Ukrainian Patriot, United 24, or Next Step Ukraine.
Reaney suggests finding a topic you are passionate about and finding an organization that will help with that aspect and offer support.
“If you like sports, find a group that works with athletes. If you like animals, if you like religion, there are all kinds of organizations that are doing things that directly help the war effort.”
Reaney added that if you are not sure where to go to offer help, you can contact him or the Ukrainian Canadian Congress and they can provide options for donations or support.
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