Leaders reflect on two years of war in Ukraine

As nations mark the second anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, local Member of Parliament for Fort McMurray-Cold Lake joined world leaders in condemning Putin’s war.

Goodridge said, “The world has witnessed the heroic struggle of the Ukrainian people as they fight against Putin’s illegal campaign of hatred and violence.”

Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022. Since that time, Russia has occupied approximately 161,000 square kilometers of Ukraine’s territory, including key cities such as Marupol and Luhansk.

In the months following the invasion, hundreds of Ukrainians came to Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo seeking refuge from the war.

Goodridge expressed her pride in seeing Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo come together to welcome Ukrainian newcomers.

 “The volunteers from Fort McMurray Supports Ukraine deserve praise and appreciation for their dedicated work and flexibility.”

“My strong support of Ukraine has been unwavering.”

Goodridge was among the first group of Canadian and world leaders to be declared persona non grata by Russia, and she has been told that she is banned from Russia for life.

Members of the Group of Seven nations gathered on the weekend in Ukraine to express their continued support for the nation’s fight against Russia.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made a surprise visit to Kyiv over the weekend, meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Trudeau made a statement from the tarmac of the Hostomel airport in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv.

“Putin was sure he could easily take strategic targets like this airport. Russian forces tried to make quick work of Hostomel airport — and with it, Kyiv,” said Trudeau.

“We are standing here today because he was wrong.”

“Putin cannot win… Ukraine will see victory, just like what happened on this ground two years ago.”

Recently, U.S. bills to provide further armed support to Ukraine have been stalled in Congress, leaving other allies to scramble to provide much-needed arms and equipment to the battered nation.

 Conservative Member of Parliament Laila Goodridge said her party is calling on Prime Minister Trudeau to release the 83,000 CRV-7 rockets to Ukraine to assist in their struggle.

“We will continue working to ensure Ukraine is supplied with the tools it needs to win this war,” said Goodridge. The MP for Fort McMurray-Cold Lake also commented on the need to ensure Europe is no longer reliant on Russian natural gas.

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