Call on Canada, allies to provide Ukraine with air defences
August 28, 2026. KYIV, UKRAINE. On the occasion of the 35th 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
