Ukrainian Refugees Build New Lives in Montreal as War Enters Fifth Year
Four years after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, displaced Ukrainians in Montreal are establishing permanent roots while maintaining strong connections to their war-torn homeland. With no end to the conflict in sight, these newcomers are building careers, raising families, and contributing to Canadian society while continuing to support relief efforts back in Ukraine.
From Air Raid Sirens to Montreal's Welcome
Victoria Nosenko vividly remembers her last morning in Ukraine, waking to air raid sirens at 5 a.m. on February 24, 2022. "We understood that it was war," said Nosenko, who frantically packed belongings before driving her two young sons and mother to safety in Slovakia during 24 harrowing hours of bombardment.
With two master's degrees in accounting and business administration, Nosenko received job offers worldwide but chose Montreal, arriving in June 2022 under Canada's emergency travel authorization program. She is among approximately 300,000 Ukrainians welcomed by Canada through the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) measures, with about 10 percent settling in Quebec.
"Before February 24, 2022, our life in Kyiv had been perfect," Nosenko recalled. Her workplace was bombed, and the new house she planned to move into that March was destroyed. Now 42, she considers herself fortunate to have escaped and built a new life in Montreal.
Building a Future Amid Uncertainty
The transition hasn't been easy. Nosenko's children initially spoke neither English nor French, and adjusting to life away from Ukraine—where her father and two sisters remain—proved challenging. Now, her sons thrive in French-language public schools, participating in basketball, piano lessons, and Ukrainian classes while her mother helps with childcare.
Nosenko works over 60 hours weekly in operations management and massage therapy while studying French intensively through government and private classes. "I would fight for this because I like this province," she said of her determination to stay permanently.
Michael Shwec, president of the Quebec provincial council of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, estimates about 15,000 displaced Ukrainians remain in Quebec based on medical insurance card data. Many have found employment, started families, and established roots, though uncertainty about permanent residency looms as CUAET work permits require renewal by March's end.
"The problem is: Will you qualify to stay permanently? So it's the uncertainty that is extremely difficult to live with," Shwec explained. He emphasized that while some hope to return to Ukraine, others cannot because their hometowns have been completely destroyed.
Community Support and Cultural Preservation
Angel Zytynsky, a third-generation Ukrainian Canadian, operates her family's deli on Beaubien Street, which has served as a community hub since 1922. The establishment, filled with Ukrainian flags and family photos, offers Eastern European delicacies while collecting donations for war relief—thousands of dollars have been sent to Ukraine from tip jar contributions alone.
Zytynsky has hired Ukrainians who fled the war, including Oksana, who recently moved from Kyiv and excelled during the busy holiday season. "That's how I support them," Zytynsky said. "And yeah, they feel at home." Her adult children have followed her example, helping newcomers find employment in Montreal.
Regular customer Helen Revko, born in Canada to Ukrainian immigrant parents, expressed pessimism about the war's conclusion. "Even if they give something, Ukraine is what Putin wants. It will never be enough," she said, referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin's ambitions.
Looking Forward While Remembering Home
Nosenko acknowledges that Ukraine will always be home but cannot risk her sons' safety by returning, even if the war ends. "I want to raise them in a safe environment, and I found Canada is super safe," she stated. Despite building her Montreal life, she continues financially supporting a family in Ukraine and volunteers locally.
"We would like to show people that we are here. We are here for you and if you need our help, we are here," Nosenko emphasized, reflecting the reciprocal gratitude many Ukrainian refugees feel toward their Canadian hosts.
Shwec summarized the stark reality: "Ukraine wants peace. Russia wants Ukraine. If Russia stops fighting tomorrow, there is no more war. The war is over. If Ukraine stops fighting, there is no Ukraine." He described how Russian bombardment has devastated Ukrainian infrastructure, leaving many without electricity, hot water, or heating.
As the conflict enters its fifth year, Montreal's Ukrainian community demonstrates remarkable resilience. Nosenko vows to help rebuild Ukraine eventually, stating, "We will take a very active part to rebuild Ukraine." Meanwhile, she and thousands of other displaced Ukrainians continue laying down roots in Montreal, balancing hope for their homeland's future with determination to build new lives in Canada.
