“Every aspect of society has changed”: Sask. Residents react to 3 years of war in Ukraine

It’s been almost three years Ukraine It has been invaded by Russia and the war continues to erupt.

Some Saskatchewan locals are thinking about the state of war and doing what they can to raise awareness and provide support for those who fight day in and day out.

“I didn’t think it would last so long,” said Nikita Sereda, a Ukrainian student.

Cerda was born in Canada, but was studying theology in Kharkiv, Ukraine when Russia began its invasion in 2022. Cerda said he woke up to “a loud noise coming from outside” at 5 a.m. on February 24.

“I was hearing all this noise and then afterward (I received) messages saying Russia invaded Ukraine… knowing that the sounds of tanks and bombing were, well, two blocks away from where I was living.

“At this point, I was really worried about what to do in this situation because as a Canadian, I’ve never experienced that.”

It’s an experience he “will have to live with pretty much the rest of my life,” Cerda said.

Lee Rainey, war correspondent and senior editor for The New Voice of Ukraine, often travels to Ukraine from Saskatoon.

He has been working in Ukraine since 2012 and was present when Russia seized control of Crimea.

“Every aspect of society has changed,” Reaney said.

“Every school has a bomb shelter now. Every university has a bomb shelter. Most workplaces have bomb shelters.”

Tanya Baran is the medical provider for Ukrainian Patriot, an organization that provides medical support to citizens and soldiers affected by the invasion of Russia. It has paid for unmarked ambulances targeted by Russia and helped provide first aid kits to the front lines.

She returned to Ukraine for the sixth time to help wherever she could.

“(I’m) a little nervous and worried because it’s been a year (since I was last there) and a lot has changed. But I know that once I plant my feet in Ukraine, it will feel like home again.”

“I hate to say you get used to (war), but you do. I sleep through air raids, so you get a sense of the incoming and outgoing artillery sounds,” Baran said.

Reaney says the things happening in Ukraine are simply inexcusable and she hopes those responsible will take ownership of the carnage.

“Russia is now carrying out acts of genocide, killing parents then Take the children to Russia and receive them To be Russian. This has actually been charged as a war crime. “

“It’s about life and death,” Rennie said.

“It’s about whether a country still exists.”

He adds that Ukrainians feel angry and tired.

“How do people feel? They hate Russians and they hate the Russian government in particular, the Russian leadership, Vladimir Putin same.

“I think they are particularly tired of war. This is an existential war.”

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Rennie said Ukrainians need to fight until a decision is found that they feel is fair.

“They need to keep fighting and keep fighting alongside everyone else in the country, and trust their fellow citizens to keep fighting until it changes, until the Russians stop bombing the country and take the troops out.”

With not many people seeing conflict coming soon, Cerda said he spends a lot of his time thinking about his family in Ukraine and worrying about their safety.

“Some days, I feel like ‘it would probably be better to go back to Ukraine and at least be with family, and not worry as much about it as I am now.’”

He added that Ukrainians are fighting for their culture and traditions to survive.

“Our beloved homeland has been invaded by aggressors and we have to take a stance of resilience and show that we have a rich culture, we have rich traditions.”

Baran hopes the war will end soon for the sake of those caught up in the conflict.

“It is sad to know that it has been going on for three years and that many people have been displaced and cities and towns have just been destroyed by the liberation of the Russians.”

Baran wants to remind people to continue providing support as the war may continue.

“I know a lot of people feel war tired. I know I’ve felt that myself over the last year and a lot of other people here in Saskatoon feel that way. But I just try to remind myself that as people are in Ukraine, the feeling is that they’re living 24-7 under air raids.” And bombs, drone attacks and moving from their homes so please continue to support Ukraine.”

If you want to help those in Ukraine, there are options such as Ukrainian National, United 24, or Next Step Ukraine.

Reaney suggests that you find a topic you are passionate about and find an organization that helps with that aspect and offers your support.

“If you’re into sports, find a group that works with athletes. If you’re into animals, if you’re into religion, there are all kinds of organizations doing things that directly help the war effort.”

Reaney added that if you’re not sure where to help, you can reach out to him or the Ukrainian Canadian Congress and they can provide options for donations or support.

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