Musée Ukraina Museum - Ukrainian Museum on Ave M

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    Museum History & Beyond a Vision

After seven trips to Ukraine since spring 2022, for a combined time period of over 500 days on the ground, MUM friend Tanya Baran spoke at the UCC-Saskatoon program on February 22nd, marking the 4th anniversary of the russian invasion.

2022 I was in Bakhmut
2023 I was in Chasiv Yar
2024 I was in Kostyantinyvka
2025 I was in Kramatorsk

Here I lived under constant air raids and bombings, and even survived a close call in Bakhmut. These are cities that are no longer recognizable due to russian occupation and their so-called liberation of Ukrainian people.

2026 I was in Kyiv. The Capitol of Ukraine. 1000km from the frontlines. Living under the devastation of russian aggression by their continuous attacks on our infrastructure. This was by far the most challenging time for me.

Last night (Febuary 21st) russia sent 50 missiles and 297 drones into Ukraine - hitting vital infrastructure, railway lines and water supply facilities. Killing innocent civilians.

I lived with limited power and heat - usually around 4 hours in a 24 hour period. If we had more than four hours, we truly felt lucky. At night I layered for warmth.

When we had power, I had a small heater running in my room for extra heat. But, I chose to have it turned off - it was loud enough that I couldn't hear the shahed drones and ballistic missiles that were in our district. Even landing close by.

With power, it was a race to charge all devices, do laundry, shower and cook a hot meal.

This has become psychological warfare.

Not only are Ukrainian lives targeted by artillery but, they are now freezing to death.

It's absolutely exhausting trying to stay warm; sitting in the dark under candle light - as the sun sets early. Ultimately, just waiting of what is to happen next.

Here in Canada, we can be sympathetic and send positive vibes. But, you will never understand it all, until you have lived it.

Being a humanitarian worker has its rewards and its moments of helplessness. It's humbling to see the smiling faces of Ukrainians along the frontlines that were just living their lives before the invasion. Now, groups like Ukrainian Patriot, that I volunteer with, are a life line for them.

We drive hundreds of kilometres to communities. A recent experience really puts it all in perspective.

Waiting at a gas station outside of Kyiv, fuelling up what we could and waiting out the air raids, I witnessed - just 100 metres above the ground - an Iranian shahed drone flying by. I know exactly who fired it... I know exactly where it's going... I know exactly who the target is... But, there is nothing I can do about it. We just keep pushing through because Ukrainians don't stop.

Humanitarian volunteers are some of the hardest working people I know. Working early mornings and late nights. Adapting to challenges on deliveries: from scrambled GPS, FPV drones and roads that become impassable. It is also known that humanitarian volunteers are targeted, the human safari. We put ourselves at risk to deliver much needed aid to Ukrainians - or to evacuate them from hard hit regions.

Like our experiences with the Kherson Humanitarian Hub that was targeted this week. Ukrainian Patriot, and me personally, have previously traveled to this Hub to deliver humanitarian and medical aid. But, we weren't just a delivery service. We sat with volunteers. We shared meals with them - even as the sounds of artillery echoed throughout the city. It's the power of community that united us.

Everything the Kherson Humanitarian Hub volunteers had worked to build for their community, was gone. We were thankful that everyone had already left for the day. Except for one volunteer - Nuria. Nuria is currently in hospital with injuries resulting from that attack - including a foot amputation. The Hub building may be gone - but, we will work together to rebuild and support that Kherson community once again.

We all can't travel to Ukraine but we all have the power to make a change from here.

We have the power to stay informed, be supportive and be strong together. Our Ukrainian community here in Saskatoon is vast. We need to work together to support one another. We must set egos aside and work towards the greater goal of supporting Ukraine.

We have the Power.

We are Stronger together.

Slava Ukraini!

Born and raised and living in Saskatoon, Tanya (Holowachuk) Baran works as a Registered Nurse at the Royal University Hospital. She is a 2nd generation Canadian-Ukrainian. Tanya leads Ukrainian Patriot's medical efforts, coordinating supplies in Canada and Ukraine. She supports fundraising for IFAKs (individual first aid kit) and works on the ground in Ukraine alongside the organization and frontline communities.

Printed with permission.