On the four-year anniversary of the start of the Russia-Ukraine war, the Ukrainian Canadian Congress is organizing a demonstration of support in Saskatoon this evening.

UCC Saskatoon Branch President Pat Tymchatyn says throughout the entire timeline, Saskatoon has been a crucial player in providing support for Ukrainian victims: welcoming refugees, raising money, hosting events, and sending equipment and volunteers.

“We’ve been fundraising for the last four years, and we’ve spent close to $300,000 in either items or money that we’ve sent to support people in Ukraine.”

Tymchatyn says despite Russia’s persistence, morale amongst Ukrainians and supporters has remained unchanged.

“You don’t see Ukrainians saying that they should give up. They’re actually still fighting and they’re still saying that if they don’t fight now it’s gonna be their children who are fighting down the road. Because Russia will never give up and Russia hasn’t given up in terms of wanting to take over the land of Ukraine.”

She says this evening’s awareness walk will take place at 5:30 on the corner of 8th Street and Preston. Tymchatyn says the walk is a call to government and policy makers that democracy is important and must be protected. Everyone is invited to attend.

In a news release on the fourth anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine war, the federal government says it is reaffirming its steadfast support for Ukraine.

That support will include the renewal of Operation UNIFIER for an additional three years to 2029.

Through this operation, the Canadian Armed Forces’ (CAF) provide ongoing military training, which includes an increased number of Canadian Forces personnel, $2 billion in military assistance for fiscal year 2026-27, and the donation of over 400 armoured vehicles.