Saskatoon’s Lastiwka choir members reflect on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

Friday marks one year since Russia’s military invaded Ukraine, a war that has brought devastation and destruction to the country and its people.

Hundreds of displaced Ukrainians have come to Saskatchewan since the beginning of the war. A few of them have joined Saskatoon’s Lastiwka Choir and Orchestra, where they can speak their native tongue while feeling a sense of community and belonging.

The group often performs during Ukrainian New Year, and one of the songs, “Carol of the Bells,” was adapted from Ukrainian folk chants and composed by Mykola Leontovych between 1914 and 1916.

The song was performed for several years as a cry for Ukrainian independence after the First World War, when the newly formed Ukrainian National Republic was under threat from Russia. Now, that threat exists once again.

Choir member Tetiana Morozova said she has watched what has happened in her home country with horror.

“In the beginning I was so stressed and very, very sad and devastated,” she said. “Since then, the Ukrainian army, it looks like it’s getting better and better with all the help of the countries – European (nations), the (United) States, and Canada.

“I feel a bit of hope that eventually the Ukrainian army will chase the Russian army out of our land and Ukraine will be prosperous and free again.”

Choir director Larry Klopoushak said he’s worried for his family members in Ukraine.

“We’re both worried for their safety and their continued health through this whole conflict. We are worried for the future of Ukraine,” he said.

While he doesn’t expect an end to the war anytime soon, he believes Ukraine will prevail.

“I have a strong feeling that the Ukrainian army (and) the Ukrainian people will persevere and are going to outlast the ridiculous intentions of (Vladimir) Putin to create a new Russian empire again,” he said.