For 11 years, Ukraine has been plagued by war, which began in 2014 with Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea and Donbas region. Then, in an act of blatant aggression, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Part of the opening salvo was the indiscriminate bombing of cities, killing and maiming of civilian men, women and children. The aim was to destroy Ukraine and absorb what was left into Russia. However, to the surprise of Vladimir Putin and the world, Ukraine has still not succumbed.
Ceasefires have been called for but with little success. While recent discussions were going on Russia sent missiles raining down on Sumy, killing 34 people, including two children, gathered to celebrate Palm Sunday.
Valeriy Kostyuk is the executive director of the Canada-Ukraine Foundation (CUF), a group that raises money for aid projects to help Ukraine with medical assistance humanitarian aid. His message is simple: don’t abandon Ukraine. Even if the war ended tomorrow Ukraine would still need massive amount of help to rebuild. I recently had a sit-down with Kostyuk to discuss the three+ years of war that have engulfed Ukraine.
Charles Lewis: You were born in Ukraine. Personally, how has the war affected you? Go back to those first days more than three years ago.
Valeriy Kostyuk: The first days of Russia’s war on Ukraine were a rollercoaster of emotions. There was shock, disbelief and an overwhelming sense of urgency. My thoughts immediately went to those in Ukraine, my family, friends, and loved ones back home — it was a terrible feeling. Those early days were filled with long hours, sleepless nights and an intense drive to ensure that Ukrainians, both here in Canada and back home, felt supported and heard. It was a mix of helplessness and determination. As much as I was worried, I knew I had to act to mobilize support and help in any way I could, and I began undertaking projects to support those in Ukraine.
When the full-scale invasion began, in partnership with Lighthouse Immersive, I worked to bring the groundbreaking exhibition Immersive Shevchenko: Soul of Ukraine to North America, using digital art to showcase Ukraine’s cultural heritage during a critical time. This initiative not only raised vital awareness about Ukraine’s rich artistic traditions but also generated significant funds to support humanitarian efforts in my homeland during Russia’s invasion. This was an opportunity for me personally, with the help of my colleagues at that time, to feel less helpless.
CL: Do you have family members affected by the war?
Kostyuk:Like many in the Ukrainian-Canadian community, I have family and friends directly impacted. Some have been displaced and forced to flee their homes, while others have stayed to serve or provide humanitarian aid on the ground. Every day, I hear stories of resilience and heartbreak from loved ones struggling to rebuild their lives to those enduring unimaginable loss.
CL: What was Ukraine like for your growing up?
Kostyuk: I was born in Odesa, a beautiful city on the Black Sea coast. Odesa is known as the capital of humour and home to millions of happy-go-lucky people. Life in Odesa before the war resembled life in a Federico Fellini film. Today, it’s excruciating to see this beautiful city destroyed day after day by Russian missiles.
CL: Given that U.S. President Donald Trump is holding talks with Ukraine and Russia, although finding an agreement will be difficult, are you worried Canadians will think there’s no more reason to give to your charitable group?
Kostyuk: The very complexity of our geopolitical situation reinforces the need for CUF’s work. While political talks, such as those involving Trump, are unfolding they don’t change the stark reality on the ground. The humanitarian crisis persists, and many face hardship, uncertainty and loss daily. For the Canada-Ukraine Foundation, our mission remains unchanged: to provide direct support to Ukrainians in need.
Canadians understand that political negotiations can be long and fraught with challenges, they know that such talks don’t equate to immediate relief for those suffering. Their generosity is driven by compassion for individuals whose lives have been upended by Russia’s war on Ukraine.
Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Canadians through CUF have sent over $95 million worth of aid, which helped over six million people. The demand for Canadian kindness continues to grow. We have been blessed with Canadian generosity and hope that it will continue. Your readers can also become a part of the effort at the foundation (cufoundation.ca).
CL: Even if the war were to end today, I assume you would still need funds. But for what? What would be the most urgent needs?
Kostyuk: Absolutely. Even if the war were to end today, the need for support would remain urgent and long-term. The devastation in Ukraine is immense and recovery will take years, if not decades. Our focus at the Canada-Ukraine Foundation would shift toward rebuilding Ukraine and humanitarian aid in several critical area’s power grids, medical aid including mental health support, helping displaced Ukrainians and the rescue of children abducted by Russia. However, now we continue to support Ukraine in all those sectors. There is never enough of any aid when one is at war.
CL: I’m sure you get good support from those of Ukrainian background in Canada. But what about other Canadians without that background? What would you tell them? Why should they care?
Kostyuk: We deeply appreciate the support from the Ukrainian-Canadian community, but this war impacts all Canadians, regardless of heritage.
CL: Why?
Kostyuk: Ukraine’s fight is not just about Ukraine, it’s about defending democracy, human rights and global security. We can see the importance of this now more than ever as we see these issues reflected in our news cycles, with our sovereignty being threatened by the United States of America. It is a global fight for democracy and security and one we should all take very seriously.
CL: How much of a shock was it to you to see Trump and JD Vance turn on Zelensky in that televised meeting?
Kostyuk:Seeing Trump turn on President Zelensky was insulting and a shock to say the least. It was a profoundly unsettling moment, especially given what Ukraine is enduring, with Russia’s blatant war and attacks on a sovereign nation.
CL: Are you worried a Trump peace plan may include too much compromise on the part of Ukraine?
Kostyuk: Even if Trump’s stated goal is peace, I worry about the concept of “peace at any cost.” Just peace must be built on respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty and the well-being of its people, not on concessions that could undermine its security and justice. The danger lies in accepting any compromise that doesn’t account for the human suffering and sacrifices already made. Political negotiations must never overshadow the urgent humanitarian needs and the core values we stand for. There can be no peace without Ukraine involved in the conversation.
CL: Is there any reason for the faithful to be particularly concerned?
Kostyuk: Ukraine has fostered religious freedom and pluralism, allowing multiple Christian denominations and other faiths to worship freely. Churches across Ukraine — encompassing Orthodox, Catholic, Protestant and other denominations — coexist and serve their communities openly. In contrast, Russia has increasingly restricted religious expression, particularly targeting the diversity of faiths. Independent religious communities face harassment, property seizures and even imprisonment under anti-extremism laws. Many Christian denominations outside the Moscow Patriarchate have experienced severe limitations on their ministry. Supporting Ukraine means defending fundamental human dignity, religious liberty and the right of people to live according to their conscience.