LETHBRIDGE – The mounting tension in Ukraine is creating unrest for Ukrainian Canadians living in Lethbridge as many can do little but watch things unfold from afar.
Alexandre Sereda left the country to come live in Canada decades ago but says he’s extremely proud of his heritage.
“It makes me sad. It makes me very, very disappointed that such a big, such a prosperous country, at least it was a sometime, fell into such a disrespectful site,” he adds.
Russia’s recent power push is all too familiar for many Ukrainian Canadians including Taras Polataiko who visits his homeland frequently.
He says with loved ones remaining in the country he’s had a lot of sleepless nights.
“They’re worried. They’re preparing for the best and preparing for the worst. They’re getting ready for war,” Polataiko adds.
Unfortunately war appears to be a fear that is not too farfetched.
Political Scientist at the University of Lethbridge, Geoffrey Hale, tells Global News the conflict is one that will and arguably already is impacting the entire international community.
“A lot of post soviet government’s are watching this very closely to see if the outside world is willing to support Ukraine against Russian expansionism,” he says.
People like Sereda and Polataiko says it’s not just Ukrainians who should be concerned and are calling on all Canadians to stand up.
“It’s really time to stop Putin right now and I think everybody who cares about democracy and freedom needs to unite now and give Ukraine support,” Polataiko adds.
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