Statement from Mayor Vrbanovic on the one-year anniversary of the start of the conflict in Ukraine

One year ago today, the residents of Kitchener, together with citizens in other cities around the world, woke up to the shock of the unprovoked attacks by Russia on the cities, communities and citizens of Ukraine. In the 365 days that have passed since, we have witnessed daily images of the senseless, brutal actions of the Russian army against the Ukrainian people. We have also been inspired by the response of our Canadian government, Canadians overall and Kitchener residents to assist the people of Ukraine who have been victimized by this tragic war and to welcome displaced individuals and families in our community.

Today, as we did since the first day of this illegal war, the City of Kitchener continues to stand unequivocally in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and joins the Government of Canada and the broader international community through the United Nations in condemning Russia’s launch of military attacks on cities and regions throughout Ukraine, and their attacks against Ukrainian people and infrastructure in their cities and communities. These actions are a violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, a breach of international law, and a violation of the Charter of the United Nations. The conflict in Ukraine requires an immediate end to these attacks and the full return of Ukraine’s sovereign territory.

As a community and an organization, our thoughts are with the people of Ukraine, Ukrainian-Canadians, and with those who have family, friends and loved ones living and working in Ukraine. As the Mayor of Kitchener and Co-President of United Cities and Local Governments, today I join the Government of Canada, municipal governments across the globe and the broader international community in our collective and ongoing support of the Ukrainian people.

To demonstrate our solidarity with Ukraine, the City of Kitchener continues to fly the Ukrainian flag at the community flagpole at Kitchener City Hall. Tonight, we will also welcome our local Ukrainian-Canadian community and supporters for a vigil on Carl Zehr Square, which will be lit in blue and yellow to support the Ukrainian people.

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For more information, please contact:

Bethany Rowland
Director, Corporate Communications & Marketing
bethany.rowland@kitchener.ca