‘Ukraine is in my heart’: Montreal keeps protesting to denounce Russian invasion

For yet another weekend, the city’s Ukrainian community and Montrealers wanting to show their opposition to the war gathered in protest.

Draped in blue and yellow flags and holding up anti-Vladimir Putin signs, Montrealers lined the streets of downtown Saturday for a rally to show support for Ukraine.

“I think the more we speak, the more people become aware, the more voices that are heard,” said Serena Hernandez Kiszczuk, a Ukrainian Montrealer. “It’s not enough one day, it’s not enough two days. These are people who are living day in and day out in horror and fear.

“I am half Ukrainian. I was brought up Ukrainian. Ukraine is in my heart. This is a culture that is full of life and love and strength. And there’s nowhere else that I could be except here supporting my fellow Ukrainians.”

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The Russian invasion of Ukraine that began more than six weeks ago has flattened cities, killed untold thousands, sent millions fleeing the country and isolated Moscow economically and politically.

“The war is not stopping,” said Marina Krejcarova, who helped organize Saturday’s march in Montreal. “The crimes are not stopping. And this is very dangerous, because we cannot afford to lose more families. Every human being deserves to live in a peaceful country.

“Civilians are dying. Russians are killing innocent women, innocent children. There is a real crime that’s happening right now.”

Montrealers have been gathering for several weekends in a row to show support and solidarity for Ukraine. Last weekend a march organized by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress took place in Old Montreal.

Some protesters held up signs Saturday demanding an end to Russia’s aggression. Others accused Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of accepting too few Ukrainian refugees.

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“This is something that absolutely cannot leave people’s minds,” said Tamara Stasik, a member of the Ukrainian community in Montreal. “You have to be reminded of it constantly, what you’re fighting for, what has happened.

“It’ll just continue. We will be here every weekend. We will show up.”

Those attending the march stood at different intersections along Sainte-Catherine Street, with the crowd growing at every stop. And stood on the steps of the Christ Church Cathedral.

“We are here to be visible, to be present, to remind people that the war is still going on so nobody forgets it,” said Anna Mahura, a Ukrainian Montrealer present at the rally.