Calgary's Ukrainian Community Voices Strong Opposition to U.S. Peace Proposal
Ukrainian refugees and community leaders in Calgary have expressed profound disappointment with the peace framework proposed by the U.S. government, describing it as appeasement rather than genuine peace. The criticism emerged during a rally at Calgary City Hall on Sunday, November 30, 2025, where participants voiced their concerns about American-led negotiations that would require Ukraine to make territorial concessions to Russia.
Peace Talks Face Community Backlash
As U.S. and Ukrainian negotiators continue discussions to end the three-year conflict that began with Russia's invasion in February 2022, Calgary's Ukrainian community remains deeply skeptical. Anna Tselukhina, rally committee chair and executive member of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Calgary Branch, stated unequivocally that the 28-point peace plan introduced by the Trump administration represents a dangerous compromise of Ukrainian sovereignty.
"We totally disagree with this, and we hope that the international community can help Ukraine and stand with Ukraine in this situation, in these peace negotiations, and can help Ukraine to get just peace for this country," Tselukhina told protesters gathered at the Sunday demonstration.
Diplomatic Meetings Raise Concerns
The controversy follows recent diplomatic developments, including a meeting between Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Ukrainian officials led by National Security and Defence Council Secretary Rustem Umerov. The discussions took place in Hallandale Beach, Florida, with the involvement of Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, before Witkoff's scheduled travel to Russia to lead a U.S. delegation this week.
Tselukhina expressed particular concern about the shifting American position under the current administration. "After Trump came to power, his plan for Ukraine is totally different from what it was with the previous administration," she noted. "It's hard to believe that country, that always were standing for democracy in other countries... in this situation, it looks like they are not on the Ukrainian side."
The community leader described the proposed framework as "disappointing, honestly", emphasizing that many Ukrainian Canadians feel betrayed by what they perceive as American pressure on Ukraine to accept unfavorable terms.
Refugees Seek Canadian Support
Among the rally participants was Tania Virchenko, a Ukrainian refugee who has found sanctuary in Calgary for the past two years. Like many others in the local Ukrainian community, she expressed gratitude for Canadian support while worrying about developments in peace negotiations.
The protest highlights the ongoing emotional connection that Ukrainian refugees maintain with their homeland, even as they build new lives in Canada. With Bloomberg reporting productive conversations between American and Ukrainian negotiators, Calgary's Ukrainian community remains vigilant about ensuring any peace agreement respects Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
