Thousands congregated around Toronto’s Nathan Philips square and Yonge and Dundas Square to march in solidarity with Ukraine as Russia’ invasion of the country continues.
Titled the “Stand with Ukraine” march, members of provincial and local governments marched with several Toronto Ukrainian organization leaders throughout the city’s streets as well.
As the crowds gathered, politicians and leaders offered speeches throughout the rally, calling on Russian President Vladimir Putin to withdraw his armed forces from Ukraine, urging western nations to offer financial and military aid to the defence of Ukraine and to establish a no-fly zone in areas where cilivians are journeying towards the Polish and Hungarian borders.
Speakers at the rally include Ontario Liberal MP Mitzie Hunter of Scarborough-Guildwood and Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie. Hunter reiterated Ontario Liberal Steven del Duca asking Premier Doug Ford to remove all Russian vodkas and products from the LCBO.
Crombie highlighted several of Canada’s recent sanctions against Russia. In her speech, she repeatedly chanted for NATO to establish a no-fly zone in Ukraine, and calling on Putin to “go home.”
The Mississauga mayor, who of Polish and Ukrainian descent, said she is continuing to be in touch with her community’s Ukrainian groups.
More rallies and candlelight vigils are expected to be hosted in the downtown core in the coming days.
Canada is continuing its financial and military aid to Ukraine this week with about $25 million of equipment for the Ukrainian forces.
The majority of western nations within NATO continue to sanction Russia, whose rubble fell by about 20 per cent against the US dollar.
More details to come.
Listen to CJRU’s coverage of the Stand with Ukraine march here:
