A different perspective on protesting Ukraine conflict

An anti-war event in Kelowna Sunday highlighted a very different perspective than what’s already been seen so far among protesters regarding the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine.

While there remains a strong solidarity from Kelowna residents for the besieged people of Ukraine, and funds are being raised for protection and humanitarian aid, there is also a focus on the need for global peace even as the conflict currently shows no sign of abating.

Amid an escalation in the war, as well as the targeting of civilians and children by Russian forces, and fears of the consequences of indirect military involvement by NATO countries, there have been calls in Kelowna for all sides to show restraint.

Shortly before residents gathered on the pedestrian walkway over Highway 97 to once again call on the community to assist in the defence of Ukraine, another group was at The Sails near the waterfront calling for an end to the armed violence that has cost hundreds of lives.

“We’ve been horrified by the events in Ukraine… but also horrified by the reaction, with people saying ‘Stop Putin’ and ‘Send more arms to Ukraine’”, event organizer Mark Haley, member of the Kelowna Peace Group told Kelowna10.

“We feel it’s our duty to help educate people and ourselves by talking about the causes of the conflict in Ukraine,” he explained.

The Sails landmark was adorned with peace signs and placards calling on world leaders and Canada to uphold these values.

Haley said the reason for the continued neo-Nazi rhetoric in the Ukraine region is because of the inability of nation states to understand they need to be diverse and represent all citizens, not just the dominant language or religious group.

He said it was wrong that NATO claims to be a defensive pact for Europe and yet many of its members are nuclear powers.

“Putin and Biden are not the problem,” he said. “Why have nuclear arms been allowed to proliferate?”

Joining Haley and other members of the peace movement was Dave Cursons, an organic farmer from Cawston. He said he was there to bring the matters of Ukraine to the public’s attention, show solidarity for world peace, and also to highlight Canada’s role in conflict.

“I’m here… to call on my government to stop making big bucks selling arms to 80 countries worldwide,” he said.

The Kelowna Peace Group includes Canadian Voice of Women for Peace, World Beyond War and the Canadian Peace Congress.

Latest events in Ukraine

There have been reports of Russia violating ceasefire agreements and renewing the shelling of cities as civilians try to evacuate. According to the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, more than 1.5 million people have fled Ukraine in 10 days. Most have been flocking to cross the northwest border into Poland.

There have been repeated calls from Ukraine for NATO to enforce a no-fly zone over the country, but western leaders have rejected that because of fears of dragging other nations into the conflict. However, on Sunday, it appeared efforts were underway for Poland (a NATO country) to provide jet fighters to the Ukrainian air force.

Putin has already likened the massive and widespread economic sanctions that threaten the Russian economy as an act of war.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken was in Poland to meet with the prime minister and foreign minister, a day after attending a NATO meeting in Brussels in which the alliance pledged to step up support for eastern flank members.

Blinken also spoke by phone with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who said Beijing opposes any moves that “add fuel to the flames” in Ukraine, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry. Blinken said the world is watching to see which nations stand up for freedom and sovereignty, the State Department said.

With files from The Canadian Press