It was a cold day in Poland last February, but Oleksandr Seruii was feeling warm as he hugged his wife and daughter for the first time in three years.
Seruii reunited with his family on Feb. 20 last year, four days before war erupted in his home country of Ukraine.
He went to the airport to pick up his wife, Iryna Seruii, and daughter, Maria Seruii, who brought only small suitcases, as they were supposed to go back to their country after a one-week visit to Poland.
“I had the feeling that something was going to happen,” Oleksandr told CTVNews.ca “I never thought that everything was going to change very fast.”
Soon the family learned that their city, Khmelnicki, had been invaded.
“It was early in the morning that my mother called me and said the city is under attack,” Iryna told CTVNews.ca.
Feb. 24 marked one year since Russia invaded Ukraine.
According to a report from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights , Russia’s war in Ukraine has caused more than 8,000 civilian deaths and more than 13,000 injuries. More than 13 million people have been displaced.
Millions of Ukrainians have fled their country for safety. The federal government reports that more than 167,000 Ukrainians arrived in Canada as of Feb. 19.
At around this time last year, the self-employed Oleksandr, who was working as a plumber in Poland, had to decide whether to stay in Poland or take the family back to Ukraine. None of the options were going to work for the family because Iryna and Maria’s visas were about to expire, and at the same time war was getting worse in Ukraine.
After six months of uncertainty, the family decided to choose a third option: coming to Canada.
The family arrived in Canada in June and settled in Regina.
Communities in Regina warmly welcome newcomers from Ukraine, helping them to settle and learn about Canada.
“This is significant that this all took place the day a year ago that Russia invaded Ukraine,” said Charlene Lutzer, a member of Friends of Newcomers – a group that organized a commemoration ceremony at her place on Feb. 24 for the Ukraine war anniversary.
“We are glad that you are here. You cannot go back as long as we are alive,” she told newcomers, laughing.
Lutzer has been knitting blankets and giving them to newcomers in Regina as a welcoming gift. She has given 50 of the blankets to newcomers from different countries.
“I love doing that," she said, likening it to "putting my arms around them. When I can’t do it, they can put my blanket around them.”
Although the Seruiis are happy that at least they are safe, they are worried about their loved ones who remained in Ukraine.
“I am really worried about my mother and other family members who are still in Ukraine,” said Iryna. “I am in contact with them. They say there is no guarantee (of) what will happen in the next hours.”
“We don't know what has happened to our home there [in Khmelnicki]. I spoke with my neighbour today, she said everything is OK, but later I learned that the city is again under attack,” added Iryna.
For 17-year-old Maria Seruii, Canada is a “wonderful” place to live in, but she is not feeling comfortable as her friends and school classmates are struggling in Ukraine.
“Everyone is praying that war finishes in Ukraine and the country embraces peace,” said Maria.
As a 12th-grade student, Maria tries to help people in Ukraine who struggle financially.
“Sometimes my friends and I make cakes and sell them to students in our school and then we send the money to Ukraine to help people there. Once I sent $300,” added Maria.
Maria has been quite lucky that she neither saw the war nor heard the sounds, but she listens to her friends’ stories from Ukraine every day.
“I haven’t heard the sound of rockets and bombs going off, but my friends are describing it. It is really heartbreaking… It was really scary,” recalled Maria. “A lot of my friends woke up with rocket sounds. They panicked and were shocked.”
The family is not sure when they will be able to return to Ukraine, but they hope to.
“We want to go back if there is no war. There is our home and our country. We can’t replace it. Our relatives and friends are there,” said Maria.
Reporting for this story was paid for through The Afghan Journalists in Residence Project funded by Meta.
Dozens of Ontarians are expressing frustration in the province’s health-care system after their family doctors either dropped them as patients or threatened to after they sought urgent care elsewhere.
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) says a 40-year-old man from Montreal is facing charges following a suspected drone drop of unauthorized items at the Millhaven Institution.
A powerful solar storm put on an amazing skyward light show across the globe overnight but has caused what appeared to be only minor disruptions to the electric power grid, communications and satellite positioning systems.
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
Nigeria's fashion and traditional dances were at full display on Sunday as Prince Harry and Meghan arrived in its largest city, Lagos, as part of their three-day visit to the country to promote mental health for soldiers and empower young people.
Amazon's paid subscription service provides free delivery for online shopping across Canada except for remote locations, the company said in an email. While customers in Iqaluit qualify for the offer, all other communities in Nunavut are excluded.
There were some scary moments for several people on a northern Ontario highway caught on video Thursday after a chain reaction following a truck fire.
Toronto police are investigating after tow trucks were shot at in Scarborough about two hours apart Saturday night.
A cyclist turned herself in and received a fine after striking a four-year-old girl who was crossing the street to catch a school bus.
A crash in New Westminster Saturday left one man dead, according to authorities.
One person is dead after a fight in Penticton early Sunday morning, according to authorities.
Homicide investigators in B.C. say murder charges have been laid against a fourth Indian national in connection to the killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar outside a Surrey gurdwara last year.
Dozens of Ontarians are expressing frustration in the province’s health-care system after their family doctors either dropped them as patients or threatened to after they sought urgent care elsewhere.
Police are searching for a suspect in a homicide investigation after responding to a call for a slashing assault in downtown Toronto Sunday morning where a man was found in life-threatening condition. He has since succumbed to his injuries in hospital.
Mother's Day can be a difficult occasion for those who have lost or are estranged from their mom.
A special air quality statement was issued for Calgary Sunday morning.
Calgary police are investigating a collision on Stoney Trail late Saturday afternoon that resulted in the death of a teenage boy.
There's been a real sky show this weekend over North America, as the aurora has been causing a lot of sky watchers to lose sleep.
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) says a 40-year-old man from Montreal is facing charges following a suspected drone drop of unauthorized items at the Millhaven Institution.
May 12 is Mother's Day and while a book on its own might not be the perfect gift for your mother, combing it with a bottle of wine can do the job, according to a wine expert.
An Ottawa pizzeria is being recognized as one of the top 20 deep-dish pizzas in the world.
Two daughters and a mother were reunited online 40 years later thanks to a DNA kit and a Zoom connection despite living on three separate continents and speaking different languages.
Montreal police (SPVM) are investigating a suspicious death in the Plateau-Mont-Royal borough after a man's body was discovered on Sunday morning.
The Canadian Press spoke to a number of family medicine students and seasoned doctors about the value of their profession. They are all convinced that the political discourse must first change to improve Quebec's access to family doctors.
Wildfires raging in northern Alberta prompted the mayor of one the province's largest municipalities to give his community a pep talk Saturday.
Multiple people at the protest camp torn down at the University of Alberta campus Saturday say police's actions against protesters were "violent" and "disproportionate."
There's been a real sky show this weekend over North America, as the aurora has been causing a lot of sky watchers to lose sleep.
Firefighters are responding to a major structure fire in Bathurst, N.B.
They were told it would likely take another year to recover from the pandemic that saw many marathon events cancelled, but Fredericton Marathon organizers say this year’s participation is up 25 per cent over last year – bringing them back to pre-pandemic numbers.
Kings District RCMP is investigating after a collision in Wolfville Ridge, N.S., left one man dead on Saturday.
Winnipeg police closed a stretch of Portage Avenue on Sunday morning because of a homicide investigation.
If you’re planning on going outside Sunday – take heed.
Several community groups who work with the city’s vulnerable populations gathered downtown on Saturday for an event to celebrate the impact of their work on Winnipeg.
The 8th annual Nagar Kirtan Parade packed the streets of Regina on Saturday, bringing the Regina Sikh community and people from surrounding areas together.
As a geomagnetic solar storm swept through Earth on Friday, people in southern Saskatchewan were able to experience a rare display of northern lights.
Prince Albert singer Rebecca Strong is on the cusp of achieving a dream on Canada’s Got Talent as she stands among the final eight contestants.
Waterloo regional police say no one was hurt during a daylight shooting in Kitchener.
Dozens of Ontarians are expressing frustration in the province’s health-care system after their family doctors either dropped them as patients or threatened to after they sought urgent care elsewhere.
A Stratford man is charged with attacking a driver in Waterloo.
Prince Albert singer Rebecca Strong is on the cusp of achieving a dream on Canada’s Got Talent as she stands among the final eight contestants.
Mitchinson Flight Centre in Saskatoon helped girls soar on Saturday with their annual "Girls Take Flight" event.
As a geomagnetic solar storm swept through Earth on Friday, people in southern Saskatchewan were able to experience a rare display of northern lights.
Ontario’s police watchdog is investigating after a Sault Ste. Marie Police Service officer shot a 37-year-old in the city’s west end on Saturday night.
Dozens of Ontarians are expressing frustration in the province’s health-care system after their family doctors either dropped them as patients or threatened to after they sought urgent care elsewhere.
There were some scary moments for several people on a northern Ontario highway caught on video Thursday after a chain reaction following a truck fire.
No injuries were reported after a garage fire spread into a vehicle early Sunday morning in the city’s east end.
It’s been an offensive clinic by the London Knights through the first two games of the OHL Championship Series. A 9-1 win over the Oshawa Generals Saturday night at Budweiser Gardens followed up an impressive 8-1 win Thursday as London has taken a 2-0 series lead.
Citing 'insufficient staffing,' the emergency department at Durham’s hospital will be closed on Sunday.
Sunday is Mother's Day, and there are plenty of ways to celebrate the special occasion in Barrie with Mom.
Family, friends, colleagues and strangers set off on a fundraising run on Saturday, marked by the memory of a man killed in the line of duty.
One person is dead after a two-vehicle crash in Innisfil Saturday morning.
The most powerful geomagnetic storm in the past 20 years resulted in some awe-inspiring images captured by people all across Windsor-Essex.
No charges will be laid against the driver of a pickup truck after a woman ran across the road and was struck by the vehicle in Chatham over the weekend.
Linda Morais made the most of her last chance at realizing her Olympic dream. The Tecumseh native beat Alexandra Anghel of Romania 4-3 to win a bronze medal in the 68kg weight class at the final World Olympic Qualifier in Istanbul, Turkey to secure her spot.
Like skywatchers across Canada, B.C. residents were treated to a dazzling display late Friday night and early Saturday morning.
Homicide investigators in B.C. say murder charges have been laid against a fourth Indian national in connection to the killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar outside a Surrey gurdwara last year.
The wildfire that prompted the evacuation of more than 3,000 people near Fort Nelson, B.C., was caused by a tree falling on wires, according to the municipality's mayor.
One person is dead after a fight in Penticton early Sunday morning, according to authorities.
A suspect is at large after robbing a convenience store at gunpoint in Merritt, B.C., Friday, according to local police.
After four targeted shootings in four days, Mounties in Kamloops are taking the unusual step of warning the public about two men they believe are likely to be targeted in future violent incidents.
Thousands of messages were sent between a teenage girl in the U.S. and an Alberta man posing as a young boy, a police investigation has revealed.
After a dry winter, southern Alberta farmers were expecting it to be another tough growing season.
Rural crime is on the decline, the RCMP said in a media statement released by the Southern Alberta District (SAD) late Wednesday afternoon.
Ontario’s police watchdog is investigating after a Sault Ste. Marie Police Service officer shot a 37-year-old in the city’s west end on Saturday night.
This past week, it was all about mining safety and rescue as some of the best-of-the-best put it all on the line to compete in Ontario Mine Rescue District Competition.
The city of Elliot Lake’s arena woes are turning out to be a costly problem. The latest report that will be going before council on Monday puts the quote for repairs at $4.3 million.
Police in Newfoundland say patrol officers were assaulted Thursday by a "very irate male" wielding a block of cheese.
Health officials say there is an outbreak of whooping cough in eastern Newfoundland.
Ontario Provincial Police are facing tough questions about their search for a missing Newfoundland trucker whose rig was found two weeks ago in Ontario, then sent back to Newfoundland, where his body was found Monday in the trailer.
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
A Listowel, Ont. man, drafted by the Hamilton Tigercats last week, is also getting looks from the NFL, despite only playing 27 games of football in his life.
The threat of zebra mussels has prompted the federal government to temporarily ban watercraft from a Manitoba lake popular with tourists.
A small Ajax dessert shop that recently received a glowing review from celebrity food critic Keith Lee is being forced to move after a zoning complaint was made following the social media influencer’s visit last month.
The Canada Science and Technology Museum is inviting visitors to explore their poop. A new exhibition opens at the Ottawa museum on Friday called, 'Oh Crap! Rethinking human waste.'
The Regina Police Service says it is the first in Saskatchewan and possibly Canada to implement new technology in its detention facility that will offer real-time monitoring of detainees’ vital health metrics.
Just as she had feared, a restaurant owner from eastern Quebec who visited Montreal had her SUV stolen, but says it was all thanks to the kindness of strangers on the internet — not the police — that she got it back.
The stakes have been set for a bet between Vancouver and Edmonton's mayors on who will win Round 2 of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
A grieving mother is hosting a helmet drive in the hopes of protecting children on Manitoba First Nations from a similar tragedy that killed her daughter.
Amid significant criticism from advocates, Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities Minister Kamal Khera is defending her government's long-promised, newly unveiled Canada Disability Benefit, calling the funds an "initial step," but without laying out a timeline for future expansion of the program.
RCMP commissioner Mike Duheme says he wants the government to look at drafting a new law that would make it easier for police to pursue charges against people who threaten elected officials.
Justin Trudeau says Meta is making billions off people, but taking no responsibility for the well-being of communities they profit from.
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
Dozens of Ontarians are expressing frustration in the province’s health-care system after their family doctors either dropped them as patients or threatened to after they sought urgent care elsewhere.
When you're picking something up from the floor or bending over to tie your shoe laces, you're performing "the hinge move," according to movement trainers.
Justin Trudeau says Meta is making billions off people, but taking no responsibility for the well-being of communities they profit from.
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Swiss Eurovision fans were getting ready Sunday to give a hero's welcome to singer Nemo, who won the 68th Eurovision Song Contest with "The Code," an operatic pop-rap ode to the singer’s journey toward embracing a nongender identity.
This Mother's Day Weekend, take a look at some of the most emotional movies inspired by moms.
A Newfoundlander's lifelong love of cartooning has helped forge Heavy Sweater Comics, the province's newest dedicated comic book publisher.
With carriers' flight volumes above the 60th parallel hovering below pre-pandemic levels, Canadian North’s first Inuk CEO now bears the task of balancing those financial and logistical challenges with the needs of communities for which she feels a deep affinity.
Average hourly wages among Canadian employees rose to $34.95 on a year-over-year basis in April, a 4.7 per cent increase, according to a Statistics Canada report released Friday morning.
The Ontario government says it will be supporting Ontario Power Generation's plan to refurbish the R. H. Saunders Generating Station on the St. Lawrence River.
Irresponsibly using a credit card can land you in financial trouble, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew says when used properly, it can be a powerful wealth-building tool that can help grow your credit profile and create new opportunities.
When it comes to gardening, a lot of questions come up, including the best way to keep pets away from plants, maintaining your lawn and keeping the dandelions at bay.
Pregnancy is often an exciting and anxious time for parents-to-be. And while painting the nursery and choosing a stroller are typically on the agenda, experts say preparing financially for a maternity leave can help reduce stress later on as well.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. went 4 for 5 with three RBIs, a run, and a stolen base as the Toronto Blue Jays rallied past the Minnesota Twins 10-8 on Saturday.
Despite the threat of dislocated fingers and strained muscles, over 150 Bavarian men came together Sunday to compete in Germany’s unique national championship of “Fingerhakeln,” or finger wrestling.
'Messi Mania' finally flocked north of the border this weekend, as Inter Miami CF erased a two-goal deficit to edge CF Montreal 3-2 in the Argentine superstar's professional debut in Canada.
Tesla will spend more than US$500 million to expand its fast-charging network, CEO Elon Musk said on Friday, days after abruptly laying off employees who were running the business.
Just as she had feared, a restaurant owner from eastern Quebec who visited Montreal had her SUV stolen, but says it was all thanks to the kindness of strangers on the internet — not the police — that she got it back.
If you're cruising down a highway and realize you have a flat tire, you may want to think twice before stopping to fix it on the side of the road.
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
