Why Canada Stands Proudly with Ukraine

Canada’s solidarity with Ukraine runs deep and spans across many dimensions of shared history, values, and experiences. This connection goes beyond just having the world’s largest Ukrainian diaspora outside of Ukraine. Here’s why Canada stands so proudly with Ukraine:

Strong Ukrainian-Canadian Connections

The Ukrainian Canadian community, with over 1.3 million people (3.5% of Canada’s population according to the 2021 census), has contributed significantly to Canadian society since the first wave of Ukrainian immigrants arrived in the late 19th century. This community has maintained strong cultural ties to Ukraine while becoming an integral part of Canada’s multicultural fabric.

European Recognition of Shared Security

The European Union recognizes a fundamental truth: if Ukraine falls, they could be next. Putin’s imperial ambitions will not stop at Ukraine’s borders. His vision of restoring Russia’s sphere of influence directly threatens numerous EU member states, particularly those in Eastern Europe that were once under Soviet control.

European leaders and people of EU increasingly understand that supporting Ukraine is not charity—it’s an investment in their own security. Ukraine now possesses the largest and most battle-hardened army in Europe, effectively serving as a shield for the entire continent. Every Russian tank destroyed in Ukraine is one that won’t roll into the Baltics, Poland, or other EU nations.

As Europeans send military equipment to Ukraine and strengthen their own defenses, they are also acknowledging that Ukrainians cannot bear this burden alone. Ukraine’s soldiers are not just fighting for their own sovereignty—they are protecting the eastern flank of Europe from further aggression. For EU citizens, standing with Ukraine means recognizing this shared security challenge and understanding that their peaceful future depends on Ukraine’s successful defense against Russian imperialism.

English and French Canadians: Learning from Colonial History

English Canadians (5,322,825) and French Canadians (3,985,945) stand with Ukraine through a lens informed by Canada’s colonial past and ongoing journey of reconciliation. As descendants of the two founding colonial powers, many English and French Canadians are actively working to understand their complex history and learn from Indigenous Peoples about the true meaning of reconciliation.

This journey has deepened their understanding of what happens when stronger powers impose their will on others and deny the right to self-determination. The parallels between this historical understanding and Ukraine’s struggle for sovereignty are profound. Many recognize that standing with Ukraine aligns with their commitment to building a more just society based on respect for all peoples’ rights to exist on their own terms.

This solidarity is especially meaningful as both the United Kingdom and France were signatories to the Budapest Memorandum, committing to respect Ukraine’s sovereignty in exchange for nuclear disarmament. English and French Canadians understand their countries’ historical obligations to Ukraine and support honoring these international commitments.

Indigenous Solidarity

Indigenous Peoples in Canada understand the struggle to protect ancestral lands and preserve cultural identity. First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities recognize parallels in Ukraine’s fight to maintain sovereignty and protect their homeland. The concept of defending one’s territory against external threats resonates deeply with Indigenous experiences throughout Canadian history.

American-Canadians and US Citizens Standing with Ukraine

American-Canadians and people throughout the United States have also shown tremendous support for Ukraine. The recent events in the Oval Office between President Trump and President Zelensky have shocked the world and many Americans who believe deeply in their country’s traditional role as a defender of democracy worldwide. Many Americans do not want their nation to be perceived as standing with authoritarian regimes or abandoning allies.

The American people have a proud history of defending freedom globally, and millions of US citizens continue to strongly support Ukraine through donations, advocacy, and political engagement. They understand that what makes America truly great is its commitment to democratic values, human rights, and standing with nations fighting for their sovereignty.

Many Americans are now contacting their representatives, expressing that they stand for democracy, human dignity, and solidarity with Ukraine as it defends these shared values with the blood of its soldiers. They recognize that global leadership requires building alliances and fostering—not destroying—relationships with democratic partners. For many Americans, this is a wake-up call to reaffirm core American values on the world stage.

Grassroots Support in Communities Like Kamloops

In Kamloops, the weekly demonstrations of solidarity with Ukraine reveal the depth of Canadian support. Out of approximately 500 cars passing by these gatherings, the vast majority show signs of solidarity. This grassroots support demonstrates how deeply Canadians from all backgrounds understand the importance of standing with those facing aggression.

For those who don’t yet show support, there is a gentle invitation to learn more about Canada’s history and their own ancestral stories. Understanding our collective past helps illuminate why standing with Ukraine is critical for everyone who values their heritage, peace, democracy, and solidarity. Supporting Ukraine means rejecting the dangerous principle that “might makes right” and instead affirming that all nations, regardless of size, deserve sovereignty and self-determination.

Russian Canadian Solidarity with Ukraine

Russian Canadians (548,145) stand with Ukraine in a particularly meaningful way. Those who support Ukraine represent Russians who understand the importance of decentralization and decolonization of empire. They recognize that true peace can only come through respecting the sovereignty of neighboring nations and rejecting imperial ambitions. These Russian Canadians work tirelessly to counter propaganda and promote truth about Russia’s aggression. They understand that standing with Ukraine means standing for a future where Russia itself can become a democratic, peaceful neighbor rather than an imperial power. Their courage in opposing their homeland’s current path demonstrates the universal values of justice and peace that transcend national identity.

The Forgotten Budapest Memorandum

The Budapest Memorandum of 1994 represents one of history’s greatest betrayals of international trust. Ukraine surrendered the world’s third-largest nuclear arsenal in exchange for security guarantees from Russia, the US, and the UK. When Russia violated Ukraine’s territorial integrity, first in 2014 and catastrophically in 2022, it shattered not just this agreement but undermined the entire foundation of nuclear non-proliferation efforts worldwide. Those who forget this history, or choose to ignore it, enable further injustice and make the world less secure for everyone.

Multicultural Solidarity

Canada’s diverse ethnic communities stand with Ukraine, each bringing their own historical understanding of struggle and resilience:

1. Polish Canadians (982,815) – Share a border with Ukraine and understand the historical threat of Russian aggression
2. German Canadians (2,955,695) – Recall the division of their country during the Cold War and the importance of self-determination
3. Scottish Canadians (4,392,200) – Value their distinct identity and understand Ukraine’s desire for independence
4. Irish Canadians (4,413,120) – Have experienced colonial domination and understand the struggle for national sovereignty
5. French Canadians (3,985,945) – Value their linguistic and cultural autonomy and relate to Ukraine’s fight to preserve its distinct identity
6. Italian Canadians (1,546,390) – Remember the struggle for Italian unification and support Ukraine’s territorial integrity
7. Chinese Canadians (1,713,870) – Value democratic freedoms and oppose authoritarian control over sovereign nations
8. Indian Canadians (1,347,715) – Remember colonialism and understand the importance of international law in protecting smaller states
9. Filipino Canadians (925,490) – Know the importance of diaspora communities and international solidarity during crisis
10. Dutch Canadians (988,585) – Remember Canadian soldiers liberating the Netherlands in WWII and support Ukraine’s defense against aggression
11. Hungarian Canadians (320,155) – Remember the 1956 uprising against Soviet domination and support Ukraine’s struggle for freedom
12. Greek Canadians (262,135) – Value their ancient democratic traditions and support Ukraine’s democratic aspirations
13. Lebanese Canadians (210,605) – Understand the effects of conflict on civilian populations
14. Vietnamese Canadians (275,530) – Know the devastating impacts of war and foreign intervention
15. Iranian Canadians (200,465) – Many have fled authoritarian regimes and value Ukraine’s democratic development
16. Jewish Canadians (282,015) – Understand historical persecution and support Ukraine’s right to peaceful existence
17. Portuguese Canadians (448,305) – Value their democratic traditions after experiencing dictatorship
18. Korean Canadians (217,650) – Understand division and the threat of authoritarian neighbors
19. Romanian Canadians (215,885) – Recall life under Soviet influence and support Ukraine’s European path
20. Croatian Canadians (130,820) – Remember their own independence struggle and support Ukraine’s territorial integrity
21. Swedish Canadians (334,505) – Uphold principles of neutrality and international law
22. Norwegian Canadians (466,495) – Value democratic principles and international cooperation
23. Finnish Canadians (144,055) – Remember the Winter War against Soviet aggression
24. Czech Canadians (98,925) – Recall the 1968 Prague Spring and Soviet invasion
25. Slovak Canadians (68,210) – Understand the value of independence after the Velvet Divorce
26. Danish Canadians (196,945) – Value democratic principles and international cooperation
27. Estonian Canadians (24,530) – Remember Soviet occupation and support Ukraine’s sovereignty
28. Latvian Canadians (30,725) – Experienced Soviet annexation and understand Ukraine’s struggle
29. Lithuanian Canadians (52,040) – Recall their own independence movement from the USSR
30. Armenian Canadians (68,850) – Understand the importance of international recognition and solidarity
31. Pakistani Canadians (303,260) – Value self-determination and independence
32. African Canadians (301,955) – Understand colonialism and the importance of sovereignty
33. Spanish Canadians (342,045) – Remember their country’s transition to democracy
34. Welsh Canadians (455,725) – Value preservation of distinct language and culture
35. Belgian Canadians (182,175) – Value European unity and international cooperation
36. Austrian Canadians (189,535) – Understand the importance of neutrality and sovereignty
37. Swiss Canadians (145,570) – Value independence and neutrality in international affairs
38. Icelandic Canadians (101,990) – Value peaceful international relations and sovereignty
39. Jamaican Canadians (249,070) – Value independence and self-determination
40. Syrian Canadians (98,250) – Understand the devastation of war on civilian populations
41. Serbian Canadians (93,360) – Many support peaceful resolution of territorial disputes
42. Bulgarian Canadians (34,560) – Remember life under Soviet influence
43. Moldovan Canadians (14,915) – Face similar geopolitical pressures from Russia
44. Macedonian Canadians (39,440) – Understand the importance of international recognition
45. Belarusian Canadians (20,710) – Many oppose authoritarian rule and support democracy
46. Georgian Canadians (4,775) – Have experienced Russian invasion and occupation
47. Azerbaijani Canadians (6,425) – Understand territorial integrity issues
48. Colombian Canadians (100,555) – Value peace after experiencing internal conflict
49. Chilean Canadians (45,190) – Remember authoritarian rule and value democracy
50. Tamil Canadians (102,170) – Understand the devastation of civil war and the importance of peace with justice

Combating Misinformation and Standing with Victims

While signs of hate towards those who stand with Ukraine exist, they are thankfully limited in Canadian communities. The hope is that those who haven’t yet learned about the situation will choose to seek truth and avoid spreading misinformation. Every day, Ukrainian families lose loved ones because a neighbor refuses to acknowledge their right to exist as a sovereign nation and uses all means possible to enforce the dangerous idea that might makes right.

Standing with Ukraine means seeking truth, supporting victims of aggression in any form, and providing help in any way possible. It means recognizing that when we allow aggression to succeed anywhere, we make it more likely everywhere. It means understanding that the families grieving in Ukraine today could be any of our families tomorrow if we abandon the principles that protect smaller nations from larger neighbors.

Remembering Our History

Those who forget the struggles of their ancestors risk repeating the injustices of the past. Many Canadians are descendants of people who fled war, persecution, and oppression. This collective memory informs Canada’s moral compass on the world stage. As Martin Luther King Jr. stated, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” By standing with Ukraine, Canadians honor their own diverse histories of struggle and resilience.

Conclusion

Canada’s solidarity with Ukraine transcends political considerations. It is rooted in shared values, historical connections, and a deep commitment to principles of sovereignty, democracy, and international law. The diverse communities that make up Canada’s multicultural society each bring their own historical perspectives that inform and strengthen this solidarity.

When we forget our history—when we forget agreements like the Budapest Memorandum—we undermine the foundations of peace and justice that so many generations have worked to build. By standing with Ukraine, Canada, Europe, and like-minded Americans reaffirm their commitment to a world where borders are respected, sovereignty is sacred, and peace is built on justice rather than submission. This is how we truly make our countries the best they can be: by showing solidarity and care to those who are vulnerable, by rejecting bullying on the international stage, and by upholding the principles that protect us all.

To learn more about Canada’s Ethnicity check this page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethnic_origins_of_people_in_Canada