Stand in Solidarity With Ukraine event
16 February 2023 17:30
Ottawa flash mob marks one year since Russia’s full-scale invasion of European neighbour
The Ukrainian community, along with the Friends of Ukraine diplomatic group and Ukraine's supporters, will be organizing a “Stand in Solidarity With Ukraine” flash mob in Ottawa, in advance of the one-year anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Details:
- Date: Monday, February 20, 2023
- Time: 2:00 p.m. E.D.T.
Location: Flora footbridge (Fifth Avenue and Clegg Street) over the Rideau Canal
All members of the public are invited to participate and express their solidarity with the people of Ukraine who continue to suffer from the brutal Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The 30-metre Flag of Ukraine will be unfurled. Members of the public attending are also encouraged to bring their own flags (Ukrainian flag or the flag of their country of origin), and to blue and yellow.
Quick facts:
· February 24, 2023 will mark 365 days since the beginning of the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
· The UN General Assembly condemned Russia’s unprovoked, full-scale military aggression against its sovereign neighbour and urged Russia to halt its military invasion and withdraw its troops. In solidarity with Ukrainians under attack, the blue and yellow flags have been flying around the world since that time on prominent landmarks.
· The event is co-sponsored by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, the Ukrainian National Federation, Café Ukraine and other community organizations as well as the Friends of Ukraine Diplomatic Group, comprised of more than 30 diplomatic missions in Canada. The Friends of Ukraine Group supports diplomatic efforts in aid of Ukraine and its people in resisting Russia’s foreign aggression defending the internationally recognized borders of Europe and safeguarding the security of NATO member states.
Quotations:
“Ukraine is grateful for the ongoing overwhelming support of the Canadian people across the country. This flash mob marks an indelible solidarity between the people of Ukraine, the people of Canada, and freedom-loving peoples throughout the world.” – H.E. Ambassador Yulia Kovaliv, Ambassador of Ukraine to Canada
“We stand with Ukraine because we understand that Ukraine’s fight is part of something much bigger. Rules matter, sovereignty matters, and freedom matters.” - H.E. Ambassador David L. Cohen, U.S. Ambassador to Canada
“We firmly stand with Ukraine and with the Ukrainian people because we want them to prevail in their just struggle to defend their country, their freedom, democracy and the right to choose. Russia’s war of aggression against a sovereign nation is a threat to peace worldwide. It is crucial that we stand together against this brutality, that we continue to help Ukraine and hold Russia accountable for its criminal actions. Ukraine is part of the European family and the European Union is determined to support our Ukrainian neighbours in achieving their European aspirations.” – H.E. Ambassador Dr. Melita Gabrič, Ambassador of the European Union to Canada
“The United Kingdom holds the people of Ukraine in our hearts and minds at this terrible time in their nation’s history. The UK will remain a steadfast friend of Ukraine as it continues its heroic struggle against Russia’s brutal invasion. We are committed to Ukraine's freedom and sovereignty. Putin must fail. Slava Ukraini!” – H.E. Susannah Goshko, British High Commissioner to Canada
“Ukraine is fighting for all of us and our freedoms. Our Ukrainian brothers and sisters are protecting our freedom with their lives. The least we can do is to show our solidarity and continue supporting their fight. We have no moral right to get tired - it is not a video game which can be just turned off. We will stand with Ukraine until the victory. Glory to Ukraine!” – H.E. Ambassador Darius Skusevicius, Ambassador of the Republic of Lithuania to Canada
“As Chancellor Scholz has said, we stand with Ukraine, as long as it takes. Ukrainians are bravely fighting against Russia’s brutal imperial aggression. Not just for themselves. For all of Europe, for democracy and the very foundations of a peaceful world order. We owe them our support.” – H.E. Ambassador Sabine Sparwasser, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Canada
“We stand with Ukraine because supporting its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity is not only helping a free people, it is also defending international law, the security and the democratic values of the European continent.” – H.E. Ambassador Michel Miraillet, Ambassador of the Republic of France to Canada
“Norway has made a long-term commitment to support and supply Ukraine as they defend democracy, fight aggression, and rebuild their country.” –H.E. Ambassador Jon Elvedal Fredriksen, Ambassador of Norway to Canada
“Ukraine is fighting not only for its own freedom, but for Europe’s freedom as well. History shows that a revanchist Russia does not stop until stopped. In helping Ukraine, we are supporting our own freedom and independence.” – H.E. Ambassador Margus Rava, Ambassador of Estonia to Canada
“Following the words of Poland’s President Andrzej Duda „Free world carries the face of Ukraine”, Polish diplomats in Canada stand firmly in support of Ukrainian heroes who are defending freedom, independence, and democracy.” – H.E. Ambassador Witold Dzielski, Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to Canada.
“If anybody has shown resilience to both - defending against unprovoked brutal aggression and a commitment to European values, it is the people of Ukraine. Therefore, we have a moral duty to support Ukraine in its struggle for freedom, and we will continue to support it.” – H.E. Ambassador Kaspars Ozoliņš, Ambassador of Latvia to Canada
“Finland will support Ukraine as long as it is needed.” – H.E. Ambassador Roy Eriksson, Ambassador of Finland to Canada
“The core principles of the Council of Europe – currently chaired by Iceland – are human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. Russia continues to violate deeply each of these core values with its ongoing and unprovoked war of aggression in Ukraine. As democracies we must do all we can to support the people and government of Ukraine during this exceptionally difficult time.” – – H.E. Ambassador Hlynur Guðjónsson, Ambassador of Iceland to Canada
“Denmark stands with Ukraine. In full solidarity with the brave men and women who are fighting a heroic battle against a cruel aggressor. Our support will not waver. Freedom must prevail.” – H.E. Hanne Fugl Eskjær, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Denmark to Canada
“The suffering of our Ukrainian neighbours is immeasurable. We must step up our support for their self-defence against Russian aggressors. This is as much about their future as it is about ours. Without a free and independent Ukraine, there will be no lasting peace and security in Europe." - H.E. Vit Koziak, Ambassador of the Slovak Republic to Canada
