Ukrainian man living in Vancouver returning to join resistance to Russian invasion

As hundreds of thousands flee Ukraine, Oleh Hlyniailiuk is boarding a flight from Vancouver to return to the country where his family still lives to join the resistance to the Russian invasion.

Last week, at 6 p.m. PST, he received a message that he felt left him no choice but to take action, and set his current plan in motion.

“I can’t ignore the situation in Ukraine. I’m needed there, so I’m going,” he told CityNews.

“The war for me started the first day. When I saw a missed call from my girlfriend, and it was 4 a.m. — right away, I knew that something happened. I called my girlfriend and she said that she woke up from the explosion. I said to her, ‘Just take your stuff and go.'”

Russian President Vladimir Putin launched the military operation on Feb. 24 with a middle-of-the-night televised address. The invasion has been condemned by leaders around the world, who have imposed harsh sanctions on Russia, and pledged humanitarian aid for Ukraine.

In the six days since, cities have been besieged and bombs while residents flee or try to find refuge underground as the civilian death toll climbs. The U.N. human rights office said it has recorded 136 civilian deaths. The real number of lives lost is believed to be far higher.

Hlyniailiuk says his girlfriend has since made it to Odessa, which is safer than his hometown.

“It was so hard to get there, a lot of traffic jams. The gas stations were running out of fuel. Some roads were closed because of the bombing,” he said.

His mother, who was in Germany when the invasion began, also decided to return despite being urged to stay away.

“She still decided to go home. For me, this is the same situation,” he said, adding his mother owns a cafe and has been feeding people in need.

Hlyniailiuk has spent the last week gathering as many supplies as he possibly can. When he gets on a plane Wednesday he will be bringing suitcases full of medical supplies and tactical gear.

“All things they need, and I can legally bring from Canada,” he tells CityNews.

He’s been helped by the community from the Holy Eucharist Cathedral in New Westminster.

He hopes sharing his story will help shine more of a light on how urgently help is needed in Ukraine, and move people to take whatever action they can.

“I really, really so appreciate each person who helps and does support Ukraine. It means a lot for us. It means a lot for the world’s democracy,” he said.

“I encourage everyone to not ignore the situation and to help in every possible way.”

With files from The Associate Press