Ukrainians in Winnipeg celebrate 3rd Independence Day since start of war

Manitobans of Ukrainian descent who came together in Winnipegthis weekend to celebrate their independence day say the date is an opportunity to show unity as the war with Russia continues to drag on.

Saturday marked the 33rd anniversary of Ukraine gaining independence from the Soviet Union. It's been the third time the date has passed since Russia launched its full scale invasion of the country on Feb. 24, 2022.

Since then, Manitoba has welcomed tens of thousands of Ukrainians fleeing war.

Nazariy Chychkevych, whocame to Winnipeg two years ago, organized a fundraising runat The Forks in support of Ukrainian troops Saturday.

He says Independence Day is a time for joy, but also for reflection.

"It's also a moment to think about the sacrifice [that] our Ukrainian armed forces are doing right now and howthey fight for every square metreof our land," Chychkevych said.

"The most important thing is not to forget what is happening. The war is still ongoing and we still have to fight for that independence."

About 80 people showed for the fundraiser at The Forks. The money will be used to get equipment to the 12th Azov Special Forces.

A 'way to fight back'

Elsewhere in the city, some people of Ukrainian heritage plan to raise awareness about what's happening in the war by having a good time.

A party at The Beer Can Saturday night will be an opportunity for people of all backgrounds to celebrate Ukrainian culture, said Nyk Bielak.

A few Ukrainian cooks helped prepare a menu for the evening, including one of Bielak'saunts, who also came because of the war.

"This is our way of sort of, you know,fighting back and saying, 'Hey, we're here and we're not going anywhere,'" he said.

"We're going to celebrate our culture and our language and our food and our music as best we can with our friends and family."

The event has partnered with the Ukrainian Canadian Congress to raise money for humanitarian aid for people who have been displaced by the war, Bielak said.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congres was also a partner for Saturday's fundraiser at The Forks. A large celebration will be held at the Access Centre inWest St. Pauluntil 10 p.m., the organization said.