About 100 people gathered in front of the Fredericton legislature on Feb. 24 to mark the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, standing in solidarity with the country and its people.
President of the Ukrainian Association of Fredericton Oksana Tesla addressed the crowd, calling it both an honour and a solemn duty to stand together in support of Ukraine.
“Three years ago, Russia plunged into what it thought would be a three-day war of conquest,” said Tesla. “But instead, three years later, Ukraine stands. Ukraine is free and the Ukrainian people are united against tyranny.”
The rally was organized by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) Fredericton Branch. It featured speeches from community leaders, Ukrainian newcomers and local supporters. Participants waved Ukrainian flags and held signs calling for continued support and military aid.
The event was part of a national movement, with Fredericton joining over 50 communities across Canada in demonstrating steadfast support for Ukraine.
The gathering was described as not just a moment of reflection but a powerful testament to the strength found in community and collective action.
Tesla thanked Canada for its support but urged the government to do more, stressing that Ukraine needs additional military and economic assistance to secure victory and lasting peace.
“The fight is not over,” she said. “Parliament has already recognized that the Russian Federation is committing acts of genocide against the Ukrainian people. There can be no compromise with genocide, Russia must be defeated.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on Feb. 24 that Canada would be adding $5 billion to The Group of Seven loans that are being sent from the seven nations with funds from loans supported by the revenue gathered from foreign Russian assets.
Tesla also highlighted the humanitarian crisis caused by the war, noting that over 20,000 Ukrainian children have been abducted and placed in Russian re-education camps.
“This is not just a war,” she said. “It is an atrocity unfolding in front of our eyes, in front of the entire world.”
Dominic Cardy, former New Brunswick MLA and leader of the new federal Canadian Future Party, warned that the war in Ukraine is part of a broader struggle between democracy and dictatorship.
He urged Canadians to recognize the growing threats to global stability.
“Ukraine is doing what the rest of the Western world will have to do if they don’t succeed holding off the dictators,” Cardy said. “We are now experiencing ourselves what it’s like to live next to a neighbor that threatens to ignore sovereignty and independence.”
“If we don’t stop Russia in Ukraine, we will not have earned the freedom we enjoy in Canada.”
Cardy called on Canadians to demand stronger action from political leaders, including increased support for Ukraine and stricter measures against Russian interference.
“Call your MP. Call candidates for the upcoming election. Say you want our tax dollars to support democracy,” he said. “Because if Ukraine falls, the West falls. Canada falls.”
He also drew a parallel between Ukraine’s struggle and Canada’s position on the global stage, warning that just as some view Ukraine as distant and irrelevant, one day Europe might see Canada the same way.
“As we say Slava Ukraini, as we sing the national anthem, let’s remember those suffering in the trenches for all of us and make sure this is the last winter of war,” Cardy said.
“Let 2025 mark the moment when the democracies of the world unite, stand up and say, ‘You’ve been quiet. You’ve been foolish long enough. Time to act. And more importantly, it’s time to win.’”
Terry Dionne, a retired member of the Royal Canadian Air Force and a dedicated volunteer in the Ukrainian community, spoke at the rally. He shared his perspective as a military veteran and his concerns about global responses to aggression.
“I was born and raised here in New Brunswick, served 30 years in the Armed Forces, traveled around the world, but never got a chance to get to Ukraine. I guess it was peacetime at that time,” Dionne said.
Reflecting on Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014, he expressed frustration over the lack of strong resistance from the international community.
“I was shocked. There was no, or little, resistance by the rest of the free world,” he said. “Obvious sanctions are doing very little. Putin was in denial right from the get-go.”
Dionne emphasized the importance of vigilance and action, warning that Canada, too, could face threats if global powers continue to ignore the aggression against Ukraine.
Since the beginning of the war, thousands of Ukrainians have arrived in New Brunswick, with many settling in Fredericton.
The Ukrainian Association of Fredericton continues to provide support, helping newcomers adjust to life in Canada while advocating for sustained military and humanitarian aid for Ukraine.
John Cotyk, a community member, emphasized the power of standing together.
“We must never underestimate the power of community,” Cotyk said. “Standing together like this, we show the world that Ukraine’s fight for freedom is our fight too.”
The rally ended with the Ukrainian national anthem, sung by attendees as candles were lit in memory of those who have died in the conflict.
Tesla closed the event with a firm message.
“We all have a duty to stand with Ukraine. Together, we will ensure that Ukraine prevails and that justice is served.”
