UWC President at Toronto rally: Ukraine’s victory is a defense of the global order

Paul Grod, President of the Ukrainian World Congress, speaking at a pro-Ukraine rally in Toronto on 22 February:

Dear Ukrainians and friends of Ukraine, today we stand united. Today, and over the next few days, Ukrainians and friends of Ukraine all over the world will commemorate this fourth anniversary and show their unwavering support for Ukraine.

We expect gatherings in over 750 cities across 80 countries, where hundreds of thousands of people will come together to demonstrate solidarity with the people of Ukraine. Here in Canada, events are taking place in 60 cities, including 15 in Ontario alone. Hundreds of thousands of voices are rising as one — to stand with Ukraine and to protect Ukraine’s children.

Ladies and gentlemen, I just returned from the Munich Security Conference, and I witnessed a troubling trend. The world is increasingly dividing into two distinct groups.

One group stands for the rules-based international order, for the UN Charter, for sovereignty, the rule of law, liberty, freedom, and for Ukraine. Unfortunately, there is a growing number of countries that support spheres of influence and the idea that might makes right.

What’s crucial today is that Canada stands firmly on the side of the rules-based international order. And we know that when Ukraine is victorious, it will guarantee the return and protection of that order.

Many authoritarian countries want to normalize relations with Russia — they want trade, political relations, and even a return for Russia to the Olympics. We must say no.  It is a disgrace that Russia is being allowed to participate in the Paralympic Games. It is shameful. 

Russia must be held accountable. They must pay reparations for the damage they have caused, answer for their war crimes, and return Ukraine’s abducted children.

Ladies and gentlemen, Russia is a terrorist state. We will always stand with Ukraine. Ukraine will be victorious, and Russia will be defeated. Together, we will make that happen.

Slava Ukraini!