A Gathering of Resilience: Ukrainians in Kelowna Reflect on a Turbulent Past and an Uncertain Future
Ukrainians gathered outside Kelowna City Hall on Monday, a scene reminiscent of the gatherings that took place three years ago when the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine began. Among them was 17-year-old Maksym Maksvchuk, who recalls the fateful day in February 2022 when he was in military training. "We were hiding in a big basement and heard the rockets come through, maybe next in the next streets over," he shared. Since then, Maksym, along with more than 8 million other Ukrainians, has been forced to flee their homeland. The trauma of displacement is still raw, as many have lost everything—homes, possessions, and a sense of security. At a gathering outside Kelowna City Hall on Monday, Maksym Maksvchuk, 17, reflected on the day Russia launched its full-scale attack on Ukraine in February (Global News). The stories shared during this gathering underscore the resilience of the Ukrainian people, but also the deep scars left by the war.
Life Under Siege: The Human Cost of War
The invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 marked the beginning of a new era of suffering for its people. Maksym Maksvchuk, just 17 at the time, was in military training when the attack began. "We were hiding in a big basement and we heard the rockets come through, maybe next in the next streets over," he recalled. The memories of that day are still vivid in his mind, a constant reminder of the terror and uncertainty that gripped the nation. Since then, Maksym, like millions of other Ukrainians, has been forced to flee their homeland, leaving behind everything they knew and loved. For many, the loss is immeasurable. As Denys Storozhuk, vice-president of Kelowna Stand with Ukraine, put it, "When you hear that they see their house is no longer there, people lose everything, they completely start their life here. They’re so happy to have their kids."
A New Life in Canada: Hope Amidst Uncertainty
Canada has been a beacon of hope for many Ukrainian refugees, offering safety and shelter from the war-torn homeland. For Maksym Maksvchuk and his family, Kelowna has become a new home, a place where they can start anew. Yet, the challenges of rebuilding a life in a foreign country are immense. Maksym and his family, along with thousands of other Ukrainian refugees, are navigating a complex web of emotions—gratitude for safety, grief for what was lost, and uncertainty about the future. "When you hear that they see their house is no longer there, people lose everything, they completely start their life here. They’re so happy to have their kids," said Denys Storozhuk, vice-president of Kelowna Stand with Ukraine. The resilience of the Ukrainian people is evident in their determination to rebuild their lives, even in the face of overwhelming adversity.
Political Developments: A Contrasting Stance from Global Leaders
As the war in Ukraine continues, the stance of global leaders has been a subject of much debate. Last week, U.S. President Donald Trump met with Russian leaders, excluding Ukrainian representatives from the discussions. This move was widely criticized, especially given Trump’s false claims that Ukraine was responsible for starting the war. "Today I heard, ‘Oh we weren’t invited,’ well you’ve been there for three years, you should’ve ended it, you should’ve never started it, you should’ve made a deal," Trump remarked. In contrast, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reaffirmed Canada’s support for Ukraine, pledging $5 billion in aid. "We must do everything in our power to enable Ukraine to secure a just and lasting peace, a peace that cannot be achieved without Ukrainians at the table," Trudeau stated. The contrasting approaches of these leaders highlight the complexities of international diplomacy in the face of ongoing conflict.
Visa Renewal Challenges: A Looming Threat for Refugees
As the war drags on, many Ukrainian refugees in Canada are facing a new challenge: the looming deadline for visa renewals. Maksym Maksvchuk, who has been living in Kelowna with his family, is among those at risk. If he is unable to renew his visa, he could be forced to return to Ukraine, where he would likely be conscripted into the military. "I will be with my father, so one good thing about that," he said, though the reality of returning to a war-torn country is daunting. The Ministry of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada acknowledged the difficulties faced by Ukrainian refugees in renewing their passports, stating that delays are a significant issue. However, the failure to address these delays puts many refugees at risk of being sent back to Ukraine, where they would face immense danger.
Conclusion: The Unyielding Spirit of the Ukrainian People
Despite the challenges and uncertainties, the Ukrainian community in Kelowna remains resilient. Gatherings like the one outside City Hall serve as a reminder of the strength and unity of the Ukrainian people. Maksym Maksvchuk’s story is just one of many, each a testament to the human spirit’s ability to endure and persevere in the face of overwhelming adversity. As the war in Ukraine continues, the global community must remain vigilant in its support for those affected, ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs are met.
