Canada's capital shows clear signs of support for Ukraine

In a show of solidarity and support for Ukraine and its people, the City of Ottawa has installed street signs reading "Free-Libre Ukraine" along Charlotte Street in the Sandy Hill neighbourhood — right in front of the Russian Embassy.

Eight yellow and blue signs — the colours of the Ukrainian flag — went up along the street Wednesday afternoon.

"This is a small symbol of defiance," said Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson, who held the signs for a photo-op.

"Every single day a Russian employee goes into that building, they will be reminded with these signs looking down on them that they are engaged in war crimes, and an illegal war and an illegal invasion of a beautiful, peaceful country.

Watson said he has not spoken to anyone at the Russian Embassy and has no plans to contact anyone while the invasion is ongoing. He called the ambassador's earlier comments trying to justify the invasion as "nonsense."

"It was really disgraceful behaviour for a diplomat. So, I consider the ambassador and those people supporting the Russian government as persona non grata," he said.

"We're absolutely aghast and angry at this war crime that is being committed by Mr. Putin."

Watson said he had also written to federal Immigration Minister Sean Fraser offering Ottawa as a place for Ukrainians fleeing their homeland. 

"We welcome those individuals and families who wish to come to our country and join the 1.4 million Ukrainians already calling Canada home," he wrote.

He also pointed out Ottawa has previously been a place for other refugees from Vietnam, Somalia, Syria and Kosovo to settle.

WATCH: Ottawa resident worried for family's safety as fighting intensifies in Ukraine:

Ottawa-area resident worried for family’s safety as fighting intensifies in Ukraine

3 years ago

Duration 6:12

Nazar Zhyhalskyi, who came to Canada from Ukraine about seven months ago, says he worries for the safety of his family members, who remain in Ukraine, since Russian forces invaded the country.

Zelensky Boulevard

Beyond the street signs, NDP MP Charlie Angus has proposed renaming Charlotte Street to Zelensky Boulevard in a show of solidarity with Ukraine and President Volodymyr Zelensky.

"It's just a symbol, maybe, but what we've learned from the fight in Ukraine is that symbols really matter," said Angus.

"The symbol of President Zelensky, the symbol of Ukrainian people standing up to defend their democracy in the face of horrific levels of violence.

The MP said other countries might pay attention to the gesture if the Canadian capital renames the street.

"When you rename something in recognition of a worldwide struggle, you are giving a stronger sense of legitimacy."

WATCH | MP proposes renaming street outside Russian Embassy after Ukrainian president:

MP proposes renaming street outside Russian Embassy after Ukrainian president

3 years ago

Duration 1:04

NDP MP Charlie Angus has proposed renaming Charlotte Street, the site of the Russian Embassy in Ottawa, to Zelensky Boulevard to signal support for Ukraine and President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Organizations around the world have already begun collecting monetary and other donations for Ukraine. Volunteers at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral in Ottawa were already sorting through donated items Wednesday, days before its official collection was set to begin.

Olenka Reshitnyk-Bastian said the church had received donations ranging from toothpaste and gauze to hospital gowns and sheets.

Ukrainian flag cookies raise money for Red Cross

Meanwhile, owner of local bakery Life of Pie has also come up with a unique way to honour his heritage — Ukrainian flag cookies.

"We can't make enough. We've got pretty much a full crew just making cookies right now," said Roman Romaniuk, adding the proceeds are going to the Canadian Red Cross.

He's also matching any individual donations to the Red Cross made to his bakery.

"I think it's absolutely horrific what's going on," he said.

Although he believes Ukrainians are a stubborn people who won't give up without a fight, he's still worried about what lies ahead.

Ottawans Stepan and Mar'yana Yadakh are also collecting donations of necessities to send overseas.

"We've received so many calls, so many messages. Everybody wants to donate. Everybody wants to help," said Mar'yana. "We're very lucky we have community like this."

She also had a message to her fellow Ukranians back home.

"We will support you as much as you need, for how long you need. We will try to do what we can," she said, as her  voice broke. "We don't want to have any more people dying. We just want peace and independence and freedom."