REGINA – Violence in Kyiv’s Independence Square is a familiar sight from Ukraine over the last few months.
A former Saskatchewan resident has witnessed it firsthand.
“People are breaking up cobblestone in the road to use as throwing stones,” said Lane Kubin, a magazine editor based in Kyiv. “There’s an abundant and almost engless energy going on in the square.”
Our province is home to over 130,000 people of Ukrainian heritage.
Iryna Boryshkevych, a University of Regina student, speaks to family at home every day.
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She finds comfort in Saskatchewan’s large Ukrainian community.
“It really makes me feel better that a lot of people also hear that pain, hear that scream from Ukraine,” said Boryshkevych.
Support has been strong, including a show of solidarity on the steps of Saskatchewan’s Legislative Building in December 2013, following a breakdown in talks of an integration agreement between Ukraine and the European Union.
On Wednesday, Premier Brad Wall said in a statement he was, “troubled and appalled” by recent acts of violence, and that the province supports a “free and democratic Ukraine.”
The sentiment is echoed by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress.
“Ukraine is a country struggling for democracy, plain and simple,” said Orest Gawdyda, who represents the Congress’ branch in Regina. “They want a truly free and independent country, just like we have (in Canada).”
Communication with Ukraine is a concern, though.
There is a worry the government may cut phone and internet service, which would leave family members in the dark.
“Sending messages through Facebook shows me everything is okay as far as my family is concerned,” Gawdyda said. “If I didn’t get that connection back, I would be fearful.”
Ukrainian-Canadians hope it’s a fear they won’t have to realize.
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