‘They gave it their all’: Ukrainians in Moncton mark sombre anniversary

Ukrainians living in Moncton, N.B., gathered at city hall Tuesday night to mark an anniversary none of them wanted.

Tuesday was the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and over 100 people came to hear speeches, prayers and national anthems.

Tens of thousands of Ukrainian soldiers have been killed protecting their homeland since the war began.

According to the United Nations, over 15,000 civilians have died in Europe’s largest conflict since the Second World War.

Club president Vira Kostenko said millions of Ukrainians have endured unimaginable suffering.

“Thousands of children have been forcibly taken from their homes. Many prisoners of war remain in dire conditions,” said Kostenko. “Some schools, hospitals, homes have been destroyed. Electricity and basic services are often unavailable. Daily life becomes a struggle.”

Since 2022, the Ukrainian Club of Moncton has raised $600,000 for medical supplies and clothing for Ukrainian soldiers.

“Over the past four years our community has come together in incredible ways,” said Kostenko.

Board member Nikita Sivets said all Ukrainians around the world and in Greater Moncton area have stood strong and stood together.

“Life for Ukrainians here has not been hard, but life for Ukrainians in Ukraine has been much harder,” said Sivets. “All of us here do the best we can and give all we can to support Ukraine. But there are many who have given everything they have. They gave it their all.”

Sivets paid respect to all the soldiers of the Ukrainian Army who have defended their homeland.

“Tens of thousands are now gone forever. Their sacrifice will always be remembered,” he said.

The most recent data from the Province of New Brunswick states close to 2,000 Ukrainians have come to the Greater Moncton area between February 2022 and September 2024.

For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.