Calgarians #StandWithUkraine for rally at the Peace Bridge
A rally of about 20 people met at the Peace Bridge in Calgary on Saturday, calling on community leaders to join them to help raise awareness of the critical situation facing the Ukrainian people.
The Stand With Ukraine movement, which is supported by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), is calling on Canadians coast-to-coast to recognize the Ukrainian people's freedom and right to peace in their land.
"For eight years, the Ukrainian people have bravely defended their country against brutal Russian aggression, as Russia once again seeks to colonize Ukraine," the group said in a release.
One of the participants, Kathy Bohdan, says she is worried about her family members who are still in Ukraine and is concerned about Russia's intentions.
"I think they just want to get back to the old days - 30 to 40 years back - to the U.S.S.R. and they want to take over all the countries and do (that) again," she said. "Ukraine is a rich country."
Others say the pressure at the border has been around for years so everyone is scared, especially those who lived through the Soviet era.
Tensions in Ukraine have increased over the past week as Moscow has massed tens of thousands of troops at the border, leading to fears of an invasion. The West has rejected Moscow's main demands – promises from NATO that Ukraine will never be added as a member, that no alliance weapons will be deployed near Russian borders, and that it will pull back its forces from Central and Eastern Europe.
Canada has already agreed to loan the Ukrainian government $120 million to help stabilize the country and has promised to look for more ways to help.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, answering questions from the media on Friday, wouldn't go into further details on the plans but said if Russian troops entered Ukraine, it would be "unacceptable" and "met with a clear response."
(With files from CTVNews.ca's Rachel Aiello and the Associated Press)
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.