Ukrainians in Regina gather to mark 4 years since start of war

Regina's Ukrainian community gathered on Saturday to mark four years since the start of the war. (Damian Smith / CTV News)

It’s now been 12 years since the initial conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and four years since the war started.

Regina’s Ukrainian community gathered at the Holodomor Monument near the Saskatchewan Legislative Building on Saturday, to remember those who have been died since the beginning of the war.

Couple Andre and Olena Andrusyak moved to Canada in the mid 2000’s and are constantly worried about family members back home.

Andre’s brother has served for Ukraine since the war officially started four years ago.

“This war touches every Ukrainian person,” he said.

According to Andre, his brother has been injured multiple times and is currently in recovery.

“We just want to spread the word to support Ukraine, support the needs of our people, and restore justice,” he said.

Andre’s brother also gifted the Andrusyaks his jacket, worn on the front lines.

For Olena, she’s lost classmates, brothers and husbands of friends, as well as close friends in the past four years.

“What we’re asking the community and people is to be present,” she said. “That’s the biggest gift that you can give your time, be present, bring awareness, speak about Ukraine and make a difference wherever you are.”

Regina has a long history of Ukrainian’s moving to the Queen City. The first group of Ukrainians came to Regina in the 1890’s.

Since the war started in 2022, nearly 300,000 Ukrainians have moved to Canada.

The Andrusyaks have lived in Canada pre-war and have had their children help out with the cause.

Their children have raised funds through bracelets for the battalion, and were sent back a flag, signed from soldiers across the world.

“It’s worrying because every single morning you wake up and you always read the news, and every single night, you go to bed, you check the news again,” Andre said. “We try, with other children to bring awareness, to tell them that you are part of Ukraine, even though you’re far away.”

“We are extremely thankful to Canada for all the support that Canada, Saskatchewan and Regina’s community provided to all Ukrainians for the past four years,” said Olena. “Regina welcomed them so warmly with employment and accommodation. We’re trying to promote things like making sure that you pay back to Canada and the community that hosted you.”

In Regina, the Andrusyaks are hoping for the awareness to continue.

We are encouraging people to be present, and attend Ukrainian events,” she said. “That’s the biggest gift that they can give their time and presence and bring that awareness to the community.”

The Andrusyak family is continuing in Regina, with Andre’s relatives moving here as well as Olena’s grandparents moving two years ago.