Ukrainian ambassador visits N.L. to commemorate liberation of Bucha
The visit also part of offering consular services to Ukrainians in N.L.
On Sunday, the Ukrainian community in St. John's marked the second anniversary of the liberation of Bucha with a special service at the Basilica.
The Ukrainian city was under Russian occupation after the invasion in 2022. A large number of civilians were found dead when Bucha was liberated after 33 days.
Yuliya Kovaliv, Ukraine's Ambassador to Canada, was one of the speakers at the St. John's event.
"That was I think the first chilling moment when the world understood that how cruel Russia is," Kovaliv told CBC News on Sunday, reflecting on what the anniversary means to her.
Kovaliv said she spent her first day in St. John's visiting museums and learning about the history of Newfoundland and Labrador. She says there is a similarity between this province's role in World War One and what Ukrainians are currently experiencing in the war with Russia.
"How the brave men and women from Newfoundland and Labrador were protecting their allies in the First World War. And I think there is this sentiment of understanding from people here [on] what is a fight for freedom."
WATCH | Yuliya Kovaliv shares her main message from her speech at the Basilica:
Kovaliv's trip to the province is also a part of the Embassy to Ukraine's consular mission to allow Ukrainians in Newfoundland and Labrador with expiring passports to renew their documents and prolong their stay in Canada.
She says her visit will include meetings with government officials and business leaders.
"I'm also here with the world of gratitude for the support to all the people from Newfoundland and Labrador," she said.
"Ukraine and Canada share the same values. We strongly believe in democracy, we strongly believe in international law. We strongly believe in freedom and that is what Ukraine is fighting for."
Katarina Gavrilyuk was an organizer of the service.
She said it was very meaningful to have the ambassador visit St. John's.
"It's a very powerful thing and it is important to remember to tell the truth and continue to support Ukraine," Gavrilyuk said. "We want peace and justice."
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With files from Julia Israel