Montreal Ukrainians Gather to Commemorate Four Years of War and Dream of Peace
Four years after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began, hundreds of Montrealers gathered at Phillips Square on Saturday, February 21, 2026, to mark the somber anniversary and honor the thousands of lives lost. The demonstration featured emotional stories from Ukrainian refugees who have found sanctuary in Canada while still grappling with the trauma of war.
Personal Stories of Loss and Hope
One Ukrainian refugee who fled to Montreal in 2022 shared her heartbreaking story with The Gazette. She had to leave behind her son, who enlisted as a soldier to fight against the Russian invasion. Her now 30-year-old son has been missing since May of last year and is presumed to be a prisoner of war.
"The latest information I've received suggests he's apparently alive, but I don't know any details," the woman said, requesting anonymity for her son's safety. "Other groups of Ukrainian prisoners have been released alive after years in captivity, and I hope for the same outcome for my son."
Her dream, she explained, is simple yet profound: "For everyone to return to normal life, it's my dream. My big dream."
Community Solidarity in Montreal
The demonstration at Phillips Square drew hundreds of participants, including victims of the war holding signs denouncing Russian attacks, Ukrainian ambassadors, consuls, and Members of Parliament Anthony Housefather, Sameer Zuberi, and Alexandre Boulerice from the Liberal and NDP parties.
Another refugee, 14-year-old Mariia Barhan, moved to Montreal two years ago from Kyiv, leaving her grandparents behind. "When the war started, we were scared every day," Barhan recalled in an interview. "We never knew if it would happen to our house, or whether we would be safe tomorrow."
Barhan acknowledged that her life has "completely changed" since arriving in Montreal, but added, "I think it was our best decision to move here, because life here is better than if we had stayed."
Official Statements and Calls to Action
Ukrainian ambassador to Canada, Andrii Plakhotniuk, addressed the crowd, noting that Russia's war against Ukraine began in 2014 with the occupation of Crimea and destabilization of eastern Ukraine. "But four years ago, the Kremlin chose escalation on a massive scale, attempting to destroy Ukraine's independence and ruin the international order," he declared.
Plakhotniuk praised Canada as a "steadfast friend and partner" since the first day of the full-scale invasion and called for increased pressure on Russia. "Solidarity sends a powerful message that aggression will never prevail," he asserted before concluding with the resistance slogan "Slava Ukraini!" (Glory to Ukraine!), to which the crowd responded "Heroiam slava!" (Glory to the heroes!).
Political Unity on Ukraine Support
MP Anthony Housefather emphasized that defending Ukraine is one of the few issues that unites all parties in the House of Commons. "Standing with Ukraine is in Canada's interest, and in the world's interest," Housefather stated. "Ukraine is fighting our war. Vladimir Putin has made really clear that his expansionist goals don't end with Ukraine."
The demonstration served as both a memorial for those lost and a rallying cry for continued support, with participants expressing hope that the conflict will soon end and displaced families can reunite.
