On February 24, 2026, Ukrainians and supporters around the world marked a painful milestone: four years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Yet for Ukrainians, the war did not begin in 2022. It has now been twelve years since 2014, when Russia illegally annexed Crimea and launched a hybrid war against Ukraine in the eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk. What was presented as an internal conflict was, in reality, driven and sustained by Russian military forces, intelligence operations, and coordinated destabilization efforts.
For Ukrainians, February 24 is not just a date; it is a lived memory. In the early hours of that morning in 2022, missiles struck cities across Ukraine, from Kyiv to Kharkiv to Odesa. People woke to explosions and air raid sirens. Families fled with little more than documents and hope. Others stayed, determined to defend their homes and their country.
Four years later, Ukraine continues to resist. Millions have been displaced. Thousands of civilians and soldiers have lost their lives. Entire towns have been destroyed and rebuilt under constant threat. Energy infrastructure has been repeatedly targeted. Yet despite immense hardship, Ukraine remains standing: politically, culturally, and socially. Schools continue operating. Businesses reopen. Communities support one another in ways both visible and quiet.
In Prince George, British Columbia, that reality was visible on February 24, as members of the local Ukrainian community and their supporters gathered to mark the fourth anniversary of the full-scale invasion. The rally, held along Massey Drive, brought together families, students, newcomers, long-time residents, and allies. Blue and yellow flags lined the roadside, catching the winter wind. Passing cars honked in solidarity.
For many participants, the gathering was both a commemoration and a statement. It honoured those who have lost their lives and recognized the resilience of those who continue to endure the war. It was also a reminder that even in northern British Columbia, thousands of kilometres from Kyiv, solidarity matters.
For Ukrainians in Prince George, the rally was also a moment of gratitude. Over the past twelve years, and especially since 2022, Canada has stood as a committed ally to Ukraine, providing humanitarian aid, military assistance, and refuge to those displaced by war. Locally, the Prince George community has shown generosity and compassion: welcoming newcomers, donating, attending rallies, and continuing to speak out against Russian aggression. In a time defined by destruction and uncertainty, having allies who stand firmly for justice, sovereignty, and human dignity is not just political support; it is deeply human support. For that, the Ukrainian community remains profoundly thankful.
As the war continues, it is important to be clear about its cause. This devastation did not happen by accident. Russia chose to invade a sovereign country, violate international law, and wage a campaign that has brought suffering to millions. Acknowledging that responsibility is about truth and accountability. Lasting peace will require not only an end to the violence, but justice. Only through accountability can there be real security and a future built on law rather than aggression.
