Members of Calgary’s Ukrainian community gathered outside city hall in support of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his visit to Canada. Organizers say they gathered Thursday morning to show solidarity with Ukraine and gratitude to Canada for the support throughout Russia’s war against Ukraine. “I believe people who value democracy, people who value justice, will continue supporting,” said Anna Tselukhina, president of UCC Calgary, adding they want peace in Ukraine. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Zelenskyy met at the Palliser Hotel on Thursday morning before heading to Banff for the Cabinet Planning Forum. “This visit will help prepare Ukraine for winter and help tighten the support Canada already has provided for Ukraine,” said Tselukhina, adding hundreds of thousands of Albertans are of Ukrainian descent. Zelenskyy and his wife, Olena Zelenska, are in Canada until Friday, with stops also planned in Toronto and North Bay, home of a Royal Canadian Air Force base. “The visit underscores Canada’s continued leadership in supporting Ukraine and reflects our unwavering commitment to a just and lasting peace,” read part of Carney’s official statement. “Canada remains steadfast in our commitment to support Ukraine’s defence, recovery and reconstruction.”
