Ukrainians worldwide stage rallies to mark 1,000 days of all-out war

One-thousand days of pain, courage, and resilience – this marks the duration of Ukraine’s fight against Russian aggression during a full blown invasion. On Nov. 19, Ukrainian communities around the world assembled for rallies and memorial events to honor this tragic anniversary, and remind the world of the cost of freedom, and express gratitude to the countries supporting Ukraine. In response, global leaders reaffirmed their commitment to continue helping Kyiv in its resilient struggle for independence.

Canada

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) issued a statement urging the Canadian government, along with the governments of all democratic nations, to provide Ukraine with the essential resources needed to withstand Russia. 

“We recall that Ukrainians fight not only in defense of their own freedom, but that of all of Europe,” the statement said.

In Toronto, Canada’s most populous city, a peaceful rally took place to honor the victims of Russian aggression and once again highlight the courage of the Ukrainian people.

On Nov. 16, a car rally in support of Ukraine was held in Saskatoon.

A memorial service was held near the Holy Spirit Ukrainian Catholic Church in Hamilton (Ontario province) to mark the 1,000th day of Russia’s war against Ukraine on Nov.16. Participants lit 1,000 candles to honor the fallen and show their support for Ukraine’s ongoing fight. Organizers emphasized that solidarity is not only vital for Ukraine but for the entire free world, including Canada, in the battle against Russian aggression.

U.S.

The Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA) organized a commemoration near the White House in Washington, D.C., marking the anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion. Among the participants were UCCA President Michael Sawkiw, Jr., and Oksana Markarova, Ambassador of Ukraine to the United States.

“Our Ukrainian community in America is incredible,” Markarova wrote.

The UCCA Illinois Division held a rally and march in downtown Chicago, with several hundred participants, on Nov. 19. The main message to the U.S. public, as shared by Dr. Mariya Dmytriv-Kapeniak, president of the UCCA Illinois Division, was that the resistance of the Ukrainian people continues.

A joint prayer for Ukraine was held at St. George Ukrainian Catholic Church in the New York borough of Manhattan.

There was also a pro-Ukrainian rally in Rapid City, South Dakota.

Australia

The Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations (AFUO) emphasized that these 1,000 days have revealed brutal Russian terrorism, “attempted genocide and disregard for international law, human rights and democracy.”

“But they have also shown us the remarkable resilience and ingenuity of Ukraine and its people,” the AFUO statement reads.

A demonstration was held in Melbourne to inform the Australian public, express gratitude to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and thank Australia for its support of Ukraine.

“Politicians from various parties, community leaders, media, and the Ukrainian community are all united with Ukraine!” wrote Nataliya Poshyvaylo-Towler, UWC Vice President for Southern and Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Türkiye, and Lebanon.

New Zealand

A rally was also held in Auckland, New Zealand. “Yet this is but a chapter—1,000 days out of 3,925 of russia’s open aggression against a sovereign state. A chapter in centuries of Ukraine’s fight to exist, to resist subjugation, and to stand as a nation free from russian imperialism,” wrote the organizers, Mahi For Ukraine.

United Kingdom

In London, Ukrainian activists displayed banners in support of Ukraine on cars driving near the parliamentary building, the Foreign Office, and the official residence of the British prime minister.

 

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United Arab Emirates

Yevheniy Semenov, UWC Vice President for Middle East and Central Asia, emphasized that the 1,000 days of Ukraine’s steadfast resistance to Russia’s full-scale invasion represent a “key stage in our 3,926-day struggle for freedom, sovereignty, and independence.”

Greece

Ukrainians in Athens marched in a peaceful procession to once again remind everyone that the fight continues.

Portugal

An event marking the anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine took place in Lisbon, the nation’s capital.

“These days also mark two-and-a-half years of russian captivity for the Azovstal [steel plant in Mariupol – ed.] defenders. A huge thank you to everyone who came to support Ukraine, to raise awareness, to show solidarity,” the organizers wrote.

Norway

A sizable demonstration and march took place in Oslo, marking the 1,000th day of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, on Nov 19.

For details on the events in other countries, visit the official pages of the Ukrainian World Congress on Facebook and Instagram.