Ottawa Ukrainian community fears for family, friends as Russia invades
Ottawa’s Ukrainian community is coming together to offer support to one another, watching from afar in horror and fear for their loved ones as Russia invades their country.
"This really is the worst case scenario," said Cassian Soltykevych, a Ukrainian-Canadian professional and Ottawa resident. "We didn’t think this day would actually come."
As Russia’s military offensive moved closer to the heart of Ukraine’s government, with the capital Kyiv under bombardment Friday morning, Ottawa residents with relatives there are doing their best to stay in touch with friends and family.
"It’s an incredibly difficult time," Soltykevych said. "They are hiding in metro stations trying to get away from the bombs that are dropped. Trying to do whatever they can to stay safe."
"Luckily, there is still cell phone service and communication channels that are open to us," he added. "We are trying to make sure that they are safe and sound.
"It’s the scariest thing that I’ve ever seen in my life."
Millions of people living in Ukraine are having to make agonizing decisions about whether to flee their homes or stay in an increasingly dangerous situation.
For Canadian Lana Niland, who moved to Kyiv from Saskatoon in 2003, leaving her home is no longer an option.
"A week ago that might have been an option for me… but it’s not really at the moment. Flights have been cancelled," she told CTV News Ottawa. "It’s not an option to get in the car … it’s gridlock along all of the highways."
Instead, Niland has been forced to find a bomb shelter nearby.
“There’s a number of bomb shelters near where I live,” she said. “I looked at a number of them today.”
The city of Ottawa is showing support; the Ukrainian flag was raised at city hall on Thursday, and the Ottawa sign in the ByWard Market was lit up yellow and blue.
The local Ukrainian community is raising funds to provide humanitarian aid for the country, and for those who will have to evacuate.
We are seeing a war,” said Ihor Michalchyshyn, CEO of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, whose family is in Kyiv. “We are seeing a massive invasion.”
The community is also organizing rallies to put pressure on all governments to do more to help Ukraine. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced sanctions against Russia on Thursday, and Canada is sending military personnel to Eastern Europe.
“I’m really worried for Ukraine … for my family living there,, my friends,” said Ottawa resident Lila Ibrahim. “I’m not sure what’s going to happen next.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.