Several hundred protesters gathered outside the Russian embassy in Ottawa on Sunday, February 27 for a “Stand with Ukraine” rally before marching to city hall.
It was the second protest outside the embassy in Lowertown in as many days, after about 200 people braved the cold at the demonstration on Saturday.
Sunday’s protest, organized by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, was substantially larger, with demonstrators spilling onto Charlotte Street in the early afternoon.
Several blue and yellow Ukrainian flags waved above the crowd.
“I Stand with Ukraine” read one of the many handmade signs. “Putin Get Out” and “Stop War” read others.
Today I joined thousands as we marched from the Russian Embassy to Ottawa City Hall in peaceful protest against the attacks on Ukraine. People around the world are marching in solidarity with Ukraine and I’m proud of our city for joining in. 🇺🇦🇺🇦 #WeStandWithUkraine #NoToWar pic.twitter.com/ibLQDx0tgn
— Tim Tierney (@TimTierney) February 27, 2022
Protest in support of Ukraine near Russian embassy, Ottawa#Ukraine #UkraineRussiaWar #StandWithUkraine #StopRussianAgression pic.twitter.com/MtQNOOYW6j
— Andrew Stepura (@astepura_) February 27, 2022
Several Ottawa city councillors were on hand at the protest. Rideau-Vanier Coun. Mathieu Fleury and Beacon Hill-Cyrville Coun. Tim Tierney were both in attendance.
John Fraser, the MPP for Ottawa South, also took part in the march.
#Ottawa en solidarité avec le peuple 🇺🇦
— Mathieu Fleury (@MathieuFleury) February 27, 2022
Ottawa #StandWithUkraine#SlavaUkraini, #HeroiamSlava#StopTheWar #SayNoToWar pic.twitter.com/LL6naVYprd
So many people here in Ottawa at the Russian Embassy demanding Putin stop his aggression in #Ukraine.
— John Fraser (@JohnFraserOS) February 27, 2022
Just starting the march to city hall. pic.twitter.com/SzO7pTHNPf
The protesters began their match down Laurier Avenue to Ottawa's city hall shortly after 2 p.m.
Ottawa police warned that rolling road closures in the downtown core were expected due to the demonstration, namely in the area of Charlotte Street and Laurier Avenue East and West.
Police were on scene directing traffic around the demonstration.
Powerful peaceful demonstration #standwithukraine pic.twitter.com/bhzxhLym42
— Bruce Anderson (@bruceanderson) February 27, 2022
Similar protests at Russian consulates and embassies have taken place across Canada and the world since the Russian offensive started before dawn Thursday.
A rally in downtown Toronto on Sunday afternoon attracted thousands of people.
“Anybody who stands for democracy, the rule of law and freedom around the world should be standing with the people of Ukraine,” Cassian Soltykevych of the Ukrainian Canadian Professional and Business Association told CityNews on Saturday.
Thousands attend Yonge and Dundas #Ukraine rally in #Toronto holding flags and chanting support for the country. pic.twitter.com/b6m3U3B9In
— Maleeha Sheikh (@MaleehaCity) February 27, 2022
