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Ukraine president shares solidarity with Vancouver after festival tragedy

Kenneth Chan
Kenneth Chan
|
Apr 28 2025, 3:40 am
Ukraine president shares solidarity with Vancouver after festival tragedy
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. (photowalking/Shutterstock)

In the wake of the devastating vehicle-ramming attack at Vancouver’s Lapu Lapu Day Block Party festival, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed his condolences to Vancouver residents and Canadians.

The incident, which occurred on Saturday evening, resulted in at least 11 fatalities and numerous injuries among attendees celebrating Filipino heritage.​

“Heartbreaking tragedy at Vancouver’s Filipino festival, where a man drove a car into the crowd, killing and injuring innocent people,” said President Zelenskyy in a post on X on Sunday.

“On this sad day, Ukrainians deeply share the pain of Canadians, Vancouver residents, and the Canadian Filipino community. Our condolences to the victims’ families, and we wish the injured a speedy recovery. Stay strong, our friends in Canada and the Philippines.”

Zelenskyy’s message, of course, is especially meaningful given that he is leading Ukraine through the prolonged war against Russian aggression. His expression of sympathy toward those affected in Vancouver can be seen as a reflection of an understanding of hardship and loss, and a recognition of the importance of standing in solidarity during difficult times.

There has been an outpouring of condolences from leaders at all levels of Canada’s government — federal, provincial, and municipal — as well as from other leaders such as King Charles III and Washington State Governor Bob Ferguson.

Earlier on Sunday, both Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim and Vancouver Police Acting Chief Steve Rai called this incident the “darkest day in our city’s history.”

“I stand here before you today not just as the mayor of Vancouver but also as a father, a husband, a son, a neighbour, and a friend,” Sim said.

“Yesterday, Vancouver and the Filipino community suffered its darkest day here in the City of Vancouver. I’m heartbroken, I’m shocked, and I’m angry. To the Filipino community and the family members of the victims, we see you, we love you, and we grieve with you.”

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