Ukrainian refugees in North Bay are marking the first anniversary of their homeland being invaded.
They’re holding a flash mob-style performance at Northgate Shopping Centre, near the food court, at noon on Saturday.
They’ll be singing a song written in 1914 that was sung by a volunteer military formation during the liberation war for the independence of Ukraine.
Organizer Andrii Bieliaiev says the purpose of the flash mob is to bring attention to the memory of the beginning of the war in Ukraine, which he says is a tragedy not only for Ukrainians but for the entire free world.
“This is a war of democracy against tyranny,” says Bieliaiev. “In addition, it is the hope of victory. The Russians wanted to defeat Ukraine in a week, but Ukraine has been defending itself for a year and is winning.”
Officials say North Bay has welcomed over two dozen Ukrainian refugees in the past year.
Friday, Feb. 24 marks one year since Russia invaded Ukraine.
