‘It’s the same struggle’: UWC Executive Director on 1991, the film Distance to Independence

Ahead of the Canadian national tour of the documentary Distance to Independence, Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) Executive Director Roman Zyla shared reflections on his own participation in the 1991 project that inspired the film – and why the story remains relevant today.

Thirty-five years ago, Zyla traveled to Ukraine with friends to campaign for independence ahead of the referendum. He was one of roughly 80 young Canadians and Americans of Ukrainian descent who took part in the initiative. Zyla said the decision to go was made without hesitation.

“It was natural. It was just, ‘Yes, this is what we’re going to do,’” he says.

The idea of independence, Zyla explains, was always an integral part of the global Ukrainian identity – from school and church to family conversations.

“We grew up believing in Ukrainian independence and understanding how important it was to our grandparents and parents – and, ultimately, to us,” he recalls.

One of his most vivid memories is the night of the referendum in Kyiv. Together with a friend, he climbed the scaffolding in front of the Lenin monument in the center of the city at night and painted the word Freedom in large letters. That experience, he believes, shaped their readiness to take action.

“It’s one thing to identify injustice. It’s another thing to actually get up and fight against it,” he says.

Today, that mindset continues to define his work at the UWC. Zyla says that events unfold every day that force the global Ukrainian community to decide whether to speak out or let them pass.

“Everything I do now needs to be focused on making sure that Ukraine stands, continues to stand, and will always stand,” he underscores.

Drawing parallels between 1991 and the present day, Zyla says: “I think it’s the same battle. Whether it’s finding your place among sovereign nations in 1991, or whether it’s defending that sovereignty – it’s hotter, it’s more tragic, it’s horrific, but I think it’s part and parcel of the same struggle.”

The national tour of Distance to Independence kicks off on Nov. 16 in Ottawa and will visit eight cities across Canada. The initiative commemorates the 35th anniversary of the December 1, 1991 All-Ukrainian Referendum and Canada’s historic recognition of Ukraine’s independence. Follow the link for details.