University of Sask. students hold vigil to mark 4 years since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

Today marks 4 years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Those in Saskatoon gathered to remember the victims. Carla Shynkaruk reports.

Students at the University of Saskatchewan (U of S) held a solemn vigil on Tuesday to mark four years since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Inside the STM College chapel, candles flickered as dozens came together to mark the anniversary by honouring those affected and reflecting on how the war continues to shape lives.

For Solomiia Kulyk, a U of S business student who moved to Saskatoon from Ukraine in 2024, the date carries heavy meaning.

“Today, here we are. It’s the fourth anniversary. I couldn’t even imagine on the first day that it will take that long, and I don’t know for how long it will be,” Kulyk told CTV News.

Kulyk remembers how quickly life got turned upside down when the invasion began.

“A few days later — everything changed,” she said.

Taisa Rudy, president of the U of S Ukrainian Students’ Association, says holding events like this is about more than remembrance.

“Commemorating four years of the war is really important,” Rudy said.

“It shows that Ukraine is not alone in this war. They have everyone here in Canada supporting them and all over the world.”

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For many in attendance, the war is not just an international headline, it’s personal.

Nikita Sereda was studying in Ukraine when the invasion began.

“Four years ago, I remember waking up at five in the morning to the sounds of bombing two blocks away from where I was living,” Sereda said.

He eventually returned home to Canada. He said the vigil is about solidarity.

“As Ukrainians here in the diaspora and for those that are still in Ukraine, this is our fight for resilience and our fight for the freedom of our beloved homeland, Ukraine,” he said.

Since the war began, interest in the Ukrainian Students’ Association has grown. The group now has about 80 members.

“We have grown significantly, especially this year,” Rudy said. “From last year, we’ve probably grown by 20 or 30 students.”

He says many young adults on campus want to add their voices and their support as the war continues.

Kulyk said that support is meaningful as she believes Ukraine receives less day-to-day attention in the news.

“Ukrainian people are still under attacks,” she said. “Russia is still killing people.”

She said she worries about her family and friends who remain in Ukraine and hopes one day the anniversary will mark the end of the war, not another year of it.