WATCH: Hundreds attend rally in support of Ukraine at TRU

KAMLOOPS — Approximately 300 people turned out for a rally to support Ukraine at Thompson Rivers University Thursday (Mar. 3).

Speakers at the demonstration called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war. Also thanking Canada for the financial and military aid, and encouraging those in attendance to donate funds for the purchase of body armour and other protective gear for the Ukrainian army and citizens who are fighting.

WATCH:

TRU student Albina Leskiv is studying abroad from Ukraine and says it’s been an unimaginable situation.

“(The) Russian government decided to do war in my country, my motherland. I don’t understand. Like, how, why? But all the people from Russia here they are kind, and they are supporting us also because they understand that it’s not a good thing really.”

Yuliia Medvedieva, another Ukrainian who had come to Canada for university education, says it’s hard to still have family in Ukraine amid the ongoing violence.

“Calling to them every hour asking how they are, it’s really hard, you know. We’re really thankful to Canada that they can support us, and they can give the shelter to our families.”

Another student from Russia spoke to CFJC crews at the rally, and was emotional about what she’s been seeing. “I tried not to watch the news because it’s too difficult to see what’s happening and the events.”

More rallies are planned in the coming days at TRU and around Kamloops as the assault on Ukraine continues.

PHOTOS (Image credit for all: Kent Simmonds / CFJC Today)