A wave of solidarity swept through cities worldwide this past weekend as communities gathered to commemorate the third anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Vigils held in places like Sheffield and Winnipeg served as poignant reminders of the resilience of the Ukrainian spirit and the continuing challenges faced by those affected by the war.
On Sunday, attendees at the Sheffield Winter Garden witnessed heartfelt performances by the children's choir of the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB) and heard from various speakers, including Sheffield council leader Tom Hunt and Lord Mayor Cllr Jayne Dunn. Organized by AUGB and supported by the city council, the event aimed not just to unite the local Ukrainian community but also to remind British supporters of the persistent conflict back home.
Tanya Klymenko, the AUGB organizer, eloquently expressed the dual purpose of the vigil, stating, "It's absolutely amazing and unbelievable how many people in Britain still deeply care". Klymenko, who migrated from Ukraine prior to the war, reflected on the emotional burden felt by many who have recently fled their homeland. "We bring together those who arrived with extreme trauma and stress, and it shows the power of community," she stressed, emphasizing how support has remained unwavering since the onset of the conflict.
At the gathering, attendees included many Ukrainian refugees, one of whom was Alla Bulavko. Having arrived three years ago with her younger son, she shared the torment of separation from her husband and older son, who remained behind to serve as soldiers. "I worry for their lives. When I call them, I hear sirens almost every evening and every night. Sometimes I have nervous attacks and cry without any reason," she lamented, capturing the raw emotion and anxiety felt by many Ukrainian families.
Across the Atlantic, hundreds gathered at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, where attendees took their message to end the war to the streets. This event reflected similar sentiments expressed by participants at the Sheffield vigil and emphasized the global response to the conflict. Attendees underscored the need for continued support and awareness about the war, highlighting how personal narratives of loss resonate deeply during such commemorative acts.
Back at the Sheffield event, the discussions transitioned to touch on the political dimensions of the war. Klymenko noted the importance of lasting security for Ukraine, stating, "It's not enough to buy a couple of years of relative peace." She called for European leaders to step forward and shift away from dependence on American support for security matters—an argument reflecting growing conversations about Europe's role amid increasing geopolitical tensions.
Tom Hunt articulated the collective sentiment among the gathered supporters, saying, "We stand with Ukraine as it fights for its future." He clearly stated, "Of course, people want peace, but peace cannot be a one-sided deal. A peace deal which does not stop Putin from attacking again is no peace deal at all." This message echoed the resolve among attendees, underscoring the necessity for vigilance and consistent support for Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Cllr Jayne Dunn also expressed heartfelt recognition of the challenges faced by Ukrainian individuals living among them. "To our Ukrainian friends, I want to say this: you are welcome here as long as it takes. Our city is your home, and your presence enriches our community," she said, reinforcing the sense of belonging and support for those displaced by conflict.
While the third anniversary of the invasion prompted solemn reflection and grief, it also served as a platform for hope and determination. The vigils knitted together different facets of community, from dances of remembrance to impassioned calls for continued action and care. Many attendees left with renewed purpose to advocate for Ukraine's rights and highlight the necessity for global solidarity.
The events this year marked not just memorials, but renewals of commitment to those still enduring the war's tribulations. They remind us all of the power and potential of community when faced with adversity. Through these gatherings, the voices of those fighting for peace and justice reverberate, ensuring their stories, grief, and hopes are neither forgotten nor dismissed.