Ukraine war marks 4 years

The Ukraine war is now four years old.

A special ceremony marking the occasion was held in Kenora, with a Ukraine flag raised at city hall.

Ron Malashewski was one of a handful of people who braved the cold conditions and is hoping for a peaceful end to the conflict.

“We continue to pray that this senseless war ends soon,” Malashewski told the assembled crowd in front of city hall on Tuesday afternoon.

“The Ukrainian people are very resilient people. They don’t give up. They strive to survive, but after four years, even that’s being tested.”

Yuliia Fedorovych is one of the Ukrainian refugees that have settled in Kenora.

She says the war has had devastating impacts on everyone who still lives in the Ukraine.

“People who die every day in the Ukraine…they are not only soldiers…they are not heroes. They are common people just like me and you. They are victims. They are kids, women and older people.”

Irine Kolesnik led the crowd in singing the Ukrainian national anthem to mark the grim anniversary.