The Ukrainian community and its supporters will gather outside of the Vancouver City Hall Wednesday (Aug. 24) to mark Ukraine Independence Day and to show support for Ukraine amidst Russia's full-scale invasion of the country.
While Ukrainians around the world will celebrate the national holiday, roughly 20 per cent of Ukraine is currently occupied by Russia.
In response, the Ukrainian Canadian Advocacy Group will hold a rally to show people what life is like for Ukrainians living under Russian occupation.
"This is more than geographical loss as Ukrainians day to day are experiencing the real terror from the Russian invaders in every part of the country," explains Ukrainian Canadian Advocacy group founder, Olha Prodan.
The small rally will feature posters that convey what life is like in Ukraine under Russian occupation and supporters are encouraged to bring their own posters to show support (have a look at some thought-provoking posters). They may also bring Ukrainian flags or wear the traditional vyshyvanka — the embroidered shirt of the country's national costume.
Vancouver rally against the Russian invasion of Ukraine
The country's independence day, Aug. 24, also falls at the six-month mark since Russia first invaded the country, the Ukrainian advocate tells Vancouver Is Awesome.
She hopes people who attend the rally will see the resilience of Ukrainians who continue to live through the horrors of war.
"Ukrainians are brave and strong," Prodan underscored. "We must show the world the daily terror our citizens are living through in the 21st century. We must, again and again, destroy the soviet myth of brotherly nations and remind the world that Russia is a terrorist state."
The rally will commence at city hall around 5 p.m. and is expected to continue until 7 p.m.
