“Stop War, Stop Putin”: Nova Scotians rally in support of Ukraine
Protesters in Halifax demand no-fly zone to stop Russian invasion
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A man holds a sign labeling Russian President Vladimir Putin as “Killer” at the Halifax protest. Other protestors wear Ukrainian flags to show their support.The sun broke from the clouds as the Ukrainian national anthem was sung in front of a large crowd at Peace and Friendship Park on March 6 during a demonstration against the Russian–led invasion of Ukraine.
The event, organized by the Halifax branch of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, included speeches by members of the Ukrainian community as well as local politicians.
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Two women hold anti-war signs in Peace and Friendship Park in support of Ukraine, and against Russian aggression.Ukrainian speakers initiated call and response chants with the crowd, shouting “Slava Ukrayini” (glory to Ukraine), “Heroyam slava” (glory to heroes), “Stop war” and “Stop Putin.”
Speakers also issued a call for action to the public, asking for donations. A booth was set up for people to sign a petition advocating for a no-fly zone over Ukraine.
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Ukrainian and Canadian flags waved side by side and protest signs were on display at the rally.Nova Scotia has sent $100,000 in humanitarian aid to the Canada-Ukraine Foundation.
Halifax Mayor Mike Savage spoke at the rally, expressing his support for the Ukrainian community and the city’s legacy of accepting refugees.
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Halifax Mayor Mike Savage listens to a speech while holding a Ukrainian flag placard.Putin’s war has so far taken a grave human toll. The United Nations said more than 2.3 million refugees had fled Ukraine by the second week of March, making it the fastest–growing refugee crisis since the Second World War.
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A young student holds a sign to express the conflict’s effect on her life.Belarus has officially supported the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Recent reports suggest Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has ceded control to the Kremlin.
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A woman from Belarus holds a sign in solidarity with Ukraine. The man beside her waves the red and white flag of Belarus which was used in that country’s 2020-2021 anti-government protests.
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Two women hold a sign saying “Stop War” in both English and Ukrainian.
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A beagle wearing a sunflower, Ukraine’s national flower. It’s a symbol of resistance during the ongoing crisis.About the author
Giancarlo Cininni
Giancarlo Cininni is completing his fourth year of the BJH program. He has experience reporting in Brazil and Canada. When he is not staring...