‘The whole face of society has changed’: Saak residents react to 3 years of war in Ukraine
It has been almost three years since Ukraine was invaded by Russia and the war has been escalating.
Some Saskatchewan locals are reflecting on the state of war and doing what they can to raise awareness and support those who are fighting day and night.
“I didn’t think it would last this long,” said Nikita Sereda, a student from Ukraine.
Although Sereda was born in Canada, she was studying theology in Kharkiv, Ukraine in 2022, when Russia began its invasion.
“I was hearing all these voices and soon (received) messages that Russia had invaded Ukraine…. Two blocks from where I live, I know it’s the sound of tanks and bombings.
It was then that I was very concerned about what to do in this situation because as a Canadian I had never experienced this.
“It’s an experience I’ll have to live with for the rest of my life,” Sereda said.
War correspondent and editor-in-chief of Ukraine’s New Voice, Lee Rainey, travels frequently from Saskatoon to Ukraine.
In the year He has been working in Ukraine since 2012 and was there when Russia annexed Crimea.
“Every section of society has changed,” Rennie said.
“Now every school has a bomb shelter. Every university is a bomb shelter. Most workplaces have bomb shelters.
Tanya Baran is the medical director of the Ukrainian Patriot organization, which provides medical aid to civilians and soldiers injured by the Russian occupation. She targeted unmarked ambulances in Russia and helped supply first aid equipment to the front lines.
She has returned to Ukraine for the sixth time to help where she can.
“(I’m) feeling a little nervous and anxious because it’s been a year (since I was last there) and a lot has changed. But once I set foot in Ukraine, I know it will feel like home again,” said Baran.
“I hate to say you get used to[the battle]but you do. “I sleep through air raids, so you understand what the sound of incoming and outgoing artillery feels like,” Baran said.
Rainey said what is happening in Ukraine is simply unjust and he hopes those responsible are held accountable for the carnage.
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“Russia is currently committing genocide, killing the parents and then taking the children to Russia and teaching them to be Russian. That is actually a war crime.”
“It’s about life and death,” Rennie said.
“It depends on whether a country can continue to exist or not.
He added that Ukrainians feel angry and tired.
“How do people feel? They hate Russians and especially the Russian government, the Russian leadership, Vladimir Putin himself.
“I think they’re especially tired of the war. This is a battle for survival.
Rainey said Ukrainians should fight until a decision is reached that they feel is fair.
Until the Russians stop bombing the country and withdraw the troops, they must continue to fight and fight with everyone in the country until something changes.
With the conflict not ending any time soon, Sereda said he spends most of his time thinking about his family in Ukraine and worrying about their safety.
Some days I feel that maybe it would be better if I could go back to Ukraine and at least be with the family and not worry about them as much as I do now.
He added that Ukrainians are fighting to keep their culture and traditions alive.
“Our beloved homeland is invaded by invaders and we must stand firm and show that we have a rich culture, we have rich traditions.”
Baran hopes that the end of the war will come soon for the sake of those caught in the conflict.
“It is sad to know that it has been going on for three years and that many people have been displaced and towns and cities have been destroyed by Russian ‘liberators’.”
Baran wants to remind people to continue to support where they can as the battle progresses.
I know a lot of people feel battle fatigue. I myself felt it last year and I know many others here in Saskatoon do. But I try to remember the feelings of the people of Ukraine 24-7 under airstrikes, bombings, drone strikes and displacement from their homes. So please continue to support Ukraine.
If you want to help those in Ukraine, there are options like Ukraine Veteran, United 24 or Next Level Ukraine.
Renee suggests that you find a topic that you are passionate about and find an organization that helps in that area and lend your support.
“If you’re into sports, find a team that works with athletes. If you’re into animals, if you’re into religion, there are all kinds of organizations that do things that directly help the war.
Rainey added that if you’re not sure where to go to offer help, you can contact him or the Ukrainian Canadian Congress and offer options for help or support.
& Copy 2025 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.