Ottawa residents stand in solidarity with Ukraine outside Russian Embassy
Thousands of people marched from the Russian Embassy in Ottawa's Sandy Hill neighbourhood to City Hall, to stand united with Ukraine and protest Russia's invasion of the eastern European country.
"I'm here to show support to my friends and family who are in Ukraine," said one person while standing outside the Russian Embassy.
The "Ottawa Stands with Ukraine Rally and March" was one of several events held in Ottawa this weekend to denounce Russia's invasion of Ukraine last Thursday.
"The Ukrainian people will never back down and they will defeat this army day-by-day," Organizer Cassian Soltykevych told the crowd. "They will never give up."
The rally started in front of the Russian Embassy with speeches and the singing of the Ukrainian national anthem, before the crowd marched to Ottawa City Hall waiving the Ukrainian flag and carrying signs saying "Hands Off Ukraine", "Glory to Heroes" and "Long Live Ukraine."
At City Hall, the crowd chanted, "No Fly Zone over Ukraine", "Stop Putin, Stop the War", and "We Stand with Ukraine."
The rally ended with the singing of the Ukrainian anthem.
"I have family in Kyiv as we speak under bomb attack and actually sleeping a fourth night in bombing shelters without electricity or access to the internet," said Jane Rubina, who has family in Ukraine.
Rubina, who has lived in Ottawa for 25 years, says her family has been sending updates all week.
"The air isn't breathable around where they are. Millions of Ukrainians are forced to leave their homes," Rubina said, reading a message from family members.
Margaret Jenkins expressed anger with the actions of Russian President Vladimir Putin, and wants Canada to help Ukraine.
"I think it’s terrible and atrocious what Putin led Russia is doing to Ukraine," Jenkins said.
"I think we should all stand up and protect civilians and by saying this is completely unacceptable .... Canada needs to be doing everything in its power to stop the war against Ukraine."
Interim Conservative leader Candice Bergen was one of several people who addressed the crowd outside the Russian Embassy.
Oksana, who works at the Ukraine Embassy in Ottawa, told Evan Solomon, host of CTV's Question Period and Power Play, "We are extremely grateful for the Canadian support we received today here."
Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Lisa MacLeod attended the rally with her youngest staffer.
"His parents are in a bomb shelter and his 78-year-old grandfather has enlisted to defend his country," MacLeod said on Twitter.
Last Thursday, Russian President Putin launched a military operation against its neighbour. In a televised address, Putin said the attack was needed to protect civilians from eastern Ukraine.
On Sunday, Canada closed its airspace to Russian aircraft, effective immediately. On Friday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced sanctions on Putin and his Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov for the country's attack on Ukraine.
With files from The Associated Press
Get in touch
Are you in Ukraine? Do you have family in Ukraine? Are you or your family affected? Email ottawanews@bellmedia.ca.
- Please include your name, location, and contact information if you are willing to speak to a journalist with CTV News.
- Your comments may be used in a CTVNewsOttawa.ca story.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
AstraZeneca says it will withdraw COVID-19 vaccine globally as demand dips
AstraZeneca said on Tuesday it had initiated the worldwide withdrawal of its COVID-19 vaccine due to a 'surplus of available updated vaccines' since the pandemic.
World's record-breaking hot temperature streak stretches through April
The world just experienced its hottest April on record, extending an 11-month streak in which every month set a temperature record, the European Union's climate change monitoring service said on Wednesday.
Most of Canada to receive emergency alert test today
The federal government will test its capacity to issue emergency alerts today, with the exception of Ontario, where the test will take place on May 15.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Seafood, eat food: Calgary Stampede releases Midway menu
The Calgary Stampede has released its menu of sweet, salty and spicy treats available on the Midway for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.
Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they've changed their name
After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.
Ontario man devastated to learn $150,000 line of credit isn't insured after wife dies
An Ontario man found out that a line of credit he thought was insured actually isn't after his wife of 50 years died.
Trial begins for Winnipeg serial killer who claims he was mentally ill
The trial of a man who admits he killed four women in Winnipeg is set to begin Wednesday, and a law professor says lawyers for Jeremy Skibicki have multiple hurdles to clear for a defence of mental illness.