Saskatchewan Connections: Resilience Amid Ukraine’s Ongoing War

As the conflict in Ukraine enters its fifth year, residents with ties to Saskatchewan share their experiences of resilience and hardship. Mac Hughes and his father, Paul Hughes, both based in Ukraine, recently spoke about the persistent dangers they face. Just hours before their interview, a Shahed drone struck an apartment near Mac’s home early in the morning. “The war has definitely not let up in any way,” Mac stated.

Paul, a former Canadian soldier who grew up in Lanigan, Saskatchewan, has been in Ukraine since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion. Initially joining the fight, he later shifted his focus to humanitarian efforts through the organization he founded, Helping Ukraine Grassroots Support (HUGS). His son Mac continues to serve in the armed forces. Reflecting on the situation, Mac expressed skepticism about prospects for peace, noting, “Realistically, this war is not going anywhere by the looks of it.”

Unyielding Struggles and Humanitarian Needs

Paul described the ongoing trauma faced by Ukrainians, emphasizing that the desire for peace is palpable. “Nobody wants peace more than Ukrainians,” he said. Despite widespread fatigue, Paul noted that many do not have the luxury to step back from the fight.

The harsh winter conditions have intensified the difficulties. HUGS has experienced a surge in requests for aid, receiving between 20 and 50 daily requests under normal conditions. Recently, that number has surged to over 150 requests per day due to extreme cold, with temperatures plummeting to as low as –25 °C. “These temperatures are tough for people without heat,” Paul explained, particularly affecting the elderly and vulnerable populations.

Angela Hill, a Canadian humanitarian aid worker with the Red Cross, recently returned from Ukraine and echoed Paul’s sentiments. Hill reported that this winter has been the coldest the country has faced in a decade. She emphasized the struggles of families, including one displaced family of six living in a small two-room house heated by a wood-burning stove. Thanks to a grant from Red Cross Canada, they were able to secure additional firewood for warmth.

A Resilient Spirit Amid Adversity

Hill’s work has involved supporting various projects throughout Ukraine, including a high school that has reopened after replacing all its windows with funding from the Canadian Red Cross. She highlighted the importance of maintaining a sense of normalcy, stating, “Having a sense of normalcy is really important.” The constant stress from cold weather and air raid sirens can take a significant toll on mental health.

Despite the harsh conditions, Ukrainians continue to demonstrate remarkable resilience. In Kyiv, residents face daily challenges, such as carrying jerry cans of water up multiple flights of stairs due to water shortages. Local businesses remain open, providing services to patrons even when forced to use space heaters and paper plates.

“People are making do,” Hill noted, emphasizing the community’s determination to support one another. Paul Hughes and his son embody this spirit, committed to helping their fellow citizens. “We’ve got that good Saskatchewan spirit in us. So we’re putting our best foot forward every day,” Paul said.

As the war continues, the stories of those like the Hughes family serve as a poignant reminder of the enduring human spirit in the face of adversity.