Russian Invasion Devastates Ukrainian Families, Heritage, Culture

The ongoing war in Ukraine continues to deeply affect both the Ukrainian population and its diaspora, as well as neighboring countries. At the University of Saskatchewan, the President’s Chair in Ukrainian Heritage (PCUH) plays a crucial role in preserving Ukrainian culture and educating students about the war's impact, especially amid a renewed wave of Ukrainian immigration to Canada. Meanwhile, in Poland, the rise of nationalist politics has fueled anti-Ukrainian rhetoric and xenophobia, causing concern among Ukrainian refugees and migrants who once experienced strong solidarity. Within Ukraine, the conflict has also led to a cultural shift in attitudes toward animals, with soldiers and civilians risking their lives to rescue pets, reflecting a broader change in societal values during wartime. The Ukrainian Jewish community, as depicted in a documentary shown at the Toronto Jewish Film Festival, strongly condemns Russia’s invasion and expresses deep patriotism despite historical complexities. Additionally, ethnic Romanian communities in Ukraine's Chernivtsi Oblast face the dual challenges of war and cultural preservation, even as Romanian elections influence local sentiments and highlight cross-border ties.