People of all ages attended event to support Ukraine Saturday outside the Ukrainian Orthodox Church on 27th Street. (Pete McIntyre/Vernon Matters photo)

By Pete McIntyre

'This is murder'

Hundreds in Vernon show their support for Ukraine

Feb 26, 2022 | 6:00 PM

Vernon has shown its support for the people of Ukraine as the European country endures a war that was forced on it by Russia.

The support was evident by the turnout of several hundred people to a rally outside the Ukrainian Orthodox Church on 27th Street Saturday afternoon. Hundreds of passing motorists also showed their unity by honking their horns.

One of the people on hand was Nancy Kriger who is with the Sadok Ukrainian Dance Ensemble who calls herself “a proud Ukrainian Canadian.” Kriger has family in Ukraine who she says “are stuck” in Kyiv, unable to get out of the country three days into the Russian invasion. She wants to see more international assistance.

“It’s hard to see the world just let this happen,” said Kriger as the tears started to flow. “It’s a slaughter. You don’t stand by and watch people get killed. I’m not an expert on these things, but I want peace and independence for Ukraine.”

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Kriger said she has been able to make contact with some of her relatives, but not able to reach others.

“That’s the way it is now. We all feel helpless, but do whatever little bit we can to bring attention to the crisis.”

Ukrainian flags were prominent at the Vernon rally. (Vernon Matters photo)

Roman Chez, who also has relatives in Ukraine, called the turnout in Vernon “substantial” and “nice to see.”

He’s been watching as much coverage of the war as he can including some Ukrainian TV channels.

“Russia has not claimed one victory yet. They haven’t taken one city yet, so that’s a good sign. The people are fighting,” Chez told Vernon Matters.

However, Chez said the analysts are predicting a “very bad night” tonight.

“They said Russia is changing its tactics to possibly hit civilians. Originally they weren’t going to hit civilians, just the military, wipe out the military, and they figured Ukraine would roll over and acquiesce to whatever they want, but it just so happened the Ukrainians dug in.”

Andrea Malysh, a Vernon resident of Ukrainian descent, said she is watching the coverage 24-7, and has been talking with family and friends in danger.

“We need boots on the ground,” Malysh told Vernon Matters. “They need help, desperately need help. I think the president of Ukraine is a hero. He’s staying. They are going to give it all they’ve got [but ] I think there is going to be a lot of bloodshed and it’s unneccessary. This is murder. This is [Vladimir] Putin and his murderous regime.”

Malysh, who is a representative for the Ukrainian Civil Liberties Association, expects an influx of Ukrainians fleeing the war to come to Canada.

“I’m getting calls all the time for finding out how we can help the refugees that are coming from the borders and what we can do to bring them to Canada and support them.”

The rally as followed by prayers inside the church led by Father Chad Pawlyshyn.

Rally for Ukraine outside the Ukrainian Orthodox Church on 27th Street Saturday. (Vernon Matters photo)