Oleshky, in the Russian-occupied part of Kherson, has been under a complete Russian blockade for six months. 2,000 people – including 50 children – remain in the city of 24,000 that Russia destroyed. Russia is refusing to allow evacuation or to allow humanitarian aid or food in.

Ukraine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs stated that from Russian-occupied Oleshky, “there are horrifying testimonies of how people are trying to survive in the conditions created by Russia: they are searching for food scraps, collecting grass, because there is simply no other food. A separate dimension of Russian terror is the hunt for civilians. Russian FPV-drones are chasing and attacking people, turning even the attempt to leave the house or move around the city into a deadly risk.”

Russia is purposely murdering Ukrainian civilians. International organizations are ready to deliver food, medicine, aid and evacuation. Russia has refused all appeals. Russia’s blockade of Oleshky is part of Russia’s genocide against the Ukrainian people. The UCC calls on Canada and the international community to respond forcefully to the dreadful crime Russia is committing in Oleshky.

On Mondays, UCC highlights a member organization, sharing its mission, programs, accomplishments, and contributions to the Ukrainian Canadian community. Through Member Mondays, we aim to increase the visibility of our members, celebrate the diversity and strength of our network, foster connections across the community, and encourage collaboration. 

The initiative reflects the collective dedication and impact of UCC’s member organizations while providing an opportunity to learn more about the important work taking place across the Ukrainian Canadian community.

August: Celebrating Ukrainian Canadian Youth Organizations 

We launched Member Mondays in August with a special focus on Ukrainian Canadian youth organizations. Throughout the month, we highlighted four organizations that play an important role in developing young leaders, strengthening community connections, and fostering Ukrainian heritage and identity among the next generation: 

• Plast Ukrainian Youth Association — Read more about PLAST  

• CYM (Ukrainian Youth Association of Canada) — Read more about CYM   

• SUSK (Ukrainian Canadian Students’ Union) — Read more about SUSK 

• CYMK (Ukrainian Youth Association of Canada) — Read more about CYMK  
  

We invite you to learn more about these organizations and the work they do in communities across Canada. 

Stay tuned for upcoming Member Mondays features as we continue highlighting the organizations that make our community stronger. 

“We are pleased to welcome Daria as this year Parliamentary intern,” stated Danylo Korbabicz, CEO of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress. “Daria has been deeply involved in the Ukrainian Canadian community since beginning her university studies. Now, as she enters the next stage of her professional life, we are delighted that she will continue exploring her interests in public service while representing our community on Parliament Hill.”

Daria recently graduated from the University of Ottawa with a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance. In 2025-2026, she served as President of the Ukrainian Canadian Students’ Union (SUSK) and, before that, led the University of Ottawa Ukrainian Students’ Club. In May 2026 she participated in the organization of the UCC Advocacy Day, which brought more than 50 students from across Canada to Parliament Hill. She served on the Chair Team for the UCC’s most recent Triennial Congress in Toronto in November 2025.

Her professional experience includes working as Development Officer for the NATO Field School at Simon Fraser University and completing two internships at Scotiabank during her undergraduate studies.

Daria will work in the office of James Maloney, Member of Parliament for Etobicoke-Lakeshore, contributing to the office’s parliamentary and constituency work through research, communications, stakeholder engagement and day-to-day operations.

“I am deeply honoured to have been selected as this years’ Parliamentary Intern,” stated Furtak. “I would not be the person or leader I am today without the Ukrainian Canadian community which has challenged me to grow so much as a person and provided opportunities and a network that I never imagined I’d be able to have. I truly intend to make the most of my 10 months working on Parliament Hill and gaining firsthand experience in Canada’s federal government.”

“We are deeply grateful to everyone whose generosity makes this program possible,” stated Walter Dlugosh, Trustee of the UCC Charitable & Educational Trust, which funds the internship. “Investing in Ukrainian Canadian youth creates opportunities for emerging leaders to develop the knowledge and confidence needed to serve both our community and Canada.”

2025-26 UCC Parliamentary Intern Valeriia Gusieva, who worked in the office of Sameer Zuberi, (MP, Pierrefonds–Dollard), stated, “The experiences I have gained over these 10 months have deepened my commitment to public service and to the Ukrainian Canadian community. This internship has given me a firsthand understanding of how policy is shaped and how advocacy translates into action on Parliament Hill. As my internship was coming to a close, I was offered the opportunity to remain in MP Zuberi’s office to continue serving Canadians. I look forward to what lies ahead, and I remain deeply grateful to the UCC Charitable and Educational Trust, and the Ukrainian Canadian community for their support.”

For a report from the 2025-26 UCC Parliamentary Intern, Valeriia Gusieva, please see here: https://www.ucccetrust.ca/valeriia-gusieva-parliamentary-intern-report-2026/

“We are very glad that Valeriia’s internship was a success, and we look forward to seeing what the next chapter in her career brings,” stated Korbabicz.

The UCC Parliamentary Internship is made possible through the generous support of many individual and organizational donors. To view the program’s supporters and learn how to help provide future Ukrainian Canadian leaders with this opportunity, please visit the UCC Charitable & Educational Trust website.

To learn more about the UCC Parliamentary Internship Program, please visit the program’s website https://www.ucccetrust.ca/programs/parliamentary-internship-program/

In Calgary on September 10, President Zelenskyy, and the Right Honourable Mark Carney signed the historic Canada-Ukraine declaration for a 100-year partnership, further strengthening the bonds of friendship between Canada and Ukraine. Prime Minister Carney announced significant support for Ukraine and the Ukrainian people, and new investments in the Canada-Ukraine defence and security partnership.

UCC President Chyczij joins CBC Power and Politics to discuss President Zelenskyy’s visit. To view click on image above. Interview starts at 1:08:39.

“These new initiatives demonstrate that the Canada-Ukraine partnership is a true win-win for both of our nations. The Ukrainian Canadian Congress is grateful to the Government of Canada for the additional support for Ukraine’s defence and to Prime Minister Carney for his leadership,” stated Alexandra Chyczij, National President of the UCC. “Russia’s barbaric air attacks on Ukrainian civilians are devastating. As winter approaches, Canada’s contribution to Ukraine’s air defence comes at a critical time, as does the support for energy infrastructure.”

Among the support announced by Prime Minister Carney on September 10:

• Approximately $350 million to deliver critical air defence interceptors
• Nearly $435 million in new loan guarantees to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development to support energy security
• $200 million in concessional loans through Export Development Canada to support Ukraine’s reconstruction

The full news release from the Office of the Prime Minister is available here: Canada and Ukraine to scale up drone production, build up Canada’s defence industries, and achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine

On September 11, President Zelenskyy held an engaging meeting with the Ukrainian community in Toronto. “The community has historically helped Ukraine and Canada have good relations. These relations need to be maintained and, in my view, we must not let them deteriorate. And, of course, it is better to develop them, to develop them strategically, to improve them, and to move forward,” President Zelenskyy said.

The release from the Office of the President of Ukraine about the community meeting is available here: Ukraine and Canada Have Historically Good Relations That Should Be Maintained and Strategically Developed – The President During a Meeting with Ukrainian Community in Toronto

UCC President Alexandra Chyczij joins CBC’s As It Happens to discuss President Zelenskyy’s visit. To listen click here

Mackenzie “Mac” Hughes was wounded in action in July 2025 serving with Ukraine’s Armed Forces in Zaporizhzhia defending Ukraine’s freedom against Russia’s genocidal war of aggression.

Caleb David Koopman was wounded in action in  October 2025 serving with Ukraine’s National Guard in Kupiansk region defending Ukraine’s freedom against Russia’s genocidal war of aggression. A last-minute training assignment prevented him from attending the Medal ceremony in person.

Слава Україні! Героям Слава!

President Chyczij received the St. Volodymyr Medal from UWC President Paul Grod during her visit to Kyiv – the capital city of a heroic Ukrainian nation that is fighting valiantly against Russia’s genocidal aggression.

“I accept this award on behalf of our Ukrainian Canadian community. This honour is a reflection of your devotion and commitment to supporting Ukraine and preserving and developing our community in Canada,” stated Chyczij. “It was particularly moving to receive this award in Kyiv. I thank everyone in our community from coast to coast to coast whose hard work the St. Volodymyr Medal recognizes.”

The St. Volodymyr the Great Medal is the highest distinction awarded by the Ukrainian World Congress. It recognizes individuals whose outstanding dedication and impact have significantly strengthened Ukrainian communities worldwide and advanced Ukraine’s global position.

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To view Independence Day greetings from Kyiv from UCC President Chyczij and UCC Vice President Lishchyna please click on the image above

August 28, 2026. KYIV, UKRAINE. On the occasion of the 35^th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence, Alexandra Chyczij, National President of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) and Dr. Natalia Lishchyna, First Vice President of the UCC, concluded a successful visit to Ukraine.

For more than 12 years of the 35 since the renewal of  independence – Ukraine has been at war – wrought by Russia, which seeks to destroy that independence.

During their visit, Chyczij and Lishchyna honoured the courage and sacrifice of the Ukrainian people and the Ukrainian Armed Forces and called on Canada and allies to increase support for the defence of Ukraine.

“Every day Russia is bombarding Ukrainian civilians with ballistic missiles, in a barbaric attempt to destroy Ukraine’s independence and make Ukraine’s cities and towns unliveable,” stated Chyczij. “We call on Canada and our allies to help Ukraine defend its  skies – provide the interceptors to take out Russian ballistic missiles.”

Chyczij and Lishchyna participated in a delegation of the Ukrainian World Congress, which met with Ukrainian officials, including President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Chyczij and Lishchyna also met with Her Excellency Tamara Mawhinney, Canada’s Ambassador-Designate to Ukraine, and congratulated her on behalf of the Ukrainian Canadian community.

“The UCC warmly congratulates Ambassador Mawhinney on her appointment. We wish her all success in this role,” stated Lishchyna. “We look forward to continuing our productive relationship with our Embassy under her leadership.”

On August 23, Chyczij and Lishchyna attended the National Prayer Breakfast for Ukraine, which brings together Ukrainian officials, international partners, faith leaders, military personnel, chaplains, families of fallen heroes, charitable organizations, and youth leaders.

The UWC delegation also met with Prime Minister Sergii Koretskyi; Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha and other Cabinet Ministers;  Defenders of Ukraine from the National Guard and the Rubizh Brigade, and spiritual leaders – His Beatitude Sviatoslav, Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church and His Beatitude Epiphanius, Metropolitan of Kyiv and All Ukraine of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine.

Photos: Ukrainian World Congress

Justin Dutchak, of Alberta, was Wounded in Action in August 2025 serving with the Ukrainian Armed Forces in Donetsk oblast, defending Ukraine’s freedom against Russia’s genocidal war of aggression.

Слава Україні! Героям Слава!

City News Edmonton reports

To view please click on image below: 

Russia bombed a school, a children’s hospital and residential buildings. At least 16 innocent civilians were murdered in this Russian missile barrage.

We join the Ukrainian people in mourning. May the Memory of the Victims Be Eternal. Вічная Пам’ять.

Ukraine’s allies have air defence interceptors in their arsenals. Ukraine’s allies can save Ukrainian lives by delivering these interceptors and additional air defence systems to Ukraine.

Every delay costs lives. Every day that allies waver is another day that Russia can murder more people.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) calls on Canada and allies to deliver air defence interceptors and systems to Ukraine and increase sanctions on Russia to stop Russia’s ability to produce the ballistic missiles that daily attack Ukrainian civilians.

Canada and other NATO allies can help Ukraine defend its people, cities, towns and villages from Russian ballistic missiles. Help Ukraine now.

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Statement by Ukraine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs on brutal massive Russian attack on Ukraine

The Kyiv Independent reports:

At least 15 dead after hours-long Russian missile, drone attack on Kyiv, children’s hospital damaged

Suspilne reports: