My social media feed lit up with posts and images from Ukrainian contacts. Our Prime Minister was meeting with President Zelensky in Kyiv on Independence Day.
On Sunday August 24, Prime Minister Mark Carney made an unannounced visit to Kyiv to celebrate Ukraine’s Day of Independence. It was his first visit as Prime Minister. Only those who have been in Ukraine during the war can understand the appreciation Ukrainian’s feel for foreign guests.
Canada is, has, and always will be a steadfast ally in Ukraine’s relentless pursuit of freedom.”
— The Rt. Hon. Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada
Canada was one of the first countries to recognize Ukraine as a sovereign nation 34 years ago.
Young Lives
Flags marking the graves of soldiers
Over the last 3 1/2 years, Ukraine paid an incredible price to continue independence. Freedom is never free. Men and women serving in the military and civilians, paid the ultimate price. For most of us, the dead are faceless strangers. To us they are friends.
When Jocelyn and I were in Ukraine this summer, we were invited to the town of Rivne (Reev-nah). Rivne is in western Ukraine in an area largely untouched during the first three years of the war. Yuriêm Shevčukom is from Rivne.
Yuri is like many single, young adults we met. We prayed with them in church services when they struggled with the choice of honouring their parents’ wishes for their safety and their personal desire to go to the front lines.
(lower left corner) A 27-year old Bible study leader and flight engineer on an attack helicopter.
In one meeting, a 27-year-old led a Bible study and two days later he deployed to the front lines as a flight engineer on an attack helicopter. We were introduced to an officer, a man of faith, who was a part of a brigade that went through horrendous losses in front line battles. We prayed with him the day before he was deployed to Sumy, in northeastern Ukraine.
Yuri
Yuri was 23-years old when he joined the Ukrainian Army. He was under the age of mobilization. In July 2023, he voluntarily signed a contract with the Armed Forces of Ukraine. For his bravery he earned assignment to one of the units of the Special Operations Forces. He carried out his service and “devotedly defended his homeland.”
Yuriêm Shevčukom
In July of this year, Russian forces began massing near the area of Sumy in north eastern Ukraine. Yuri deployed to Sumy. On August 17, 2025, he was killed during a combat mission. 
Independence
What does Independence mean?
Independence frees Dana and her team to share the hope and love of Jesus with children. Children who have lost loved ones in this war. Boys and girls that endure far too many sleepless nights in bomb shelters.
This summer over 2000 kids had a break from the worries of the war and played games, sang songs, ate healthy snacks, learned about God’s love for them and prayed.
Our friend, Dana, in Poltava at a Kid’s Day Camp
Independence allows a person to earn an honest living, have a roof over their head, and food for their family.
Ukrainians are showing the world what independence means: resilience, dignity and the right to live in peace.
President Zelenskyy speaks for the nation:
“We are building an Ukraine strong enough to live in safety and peace. So that on this square, on the Maidan of our Independence, under our flags, on our land, our children and grandchildren will celebrate Independence Day. In peace. In calm. With confidence in the future. With respect and gratitude to all who defended Ukraine in this war, the war for independence. Who endured, who were able, who triumphed. This is the purpose worth living for. This is why we stand.” Independence Day Address, 24 August 2025.
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