Kateryna Karpenko, a 36-year-old from near Kyiv, witnessed the onset of the war in Ukraine firsthand. On February 24, 2022, she saw Russian helicopters approaching Hostomel Airport, carrying commandos aiming to capture the Ukrainian capital swiftly. "I was watching through my window, the black Russian helicopters, and heard explosions . . . I was hiding in my bathroom with my cat," she recalled.

Although the initial Russian assault failed, the conflict soon engulfed her hometown of Irpin, where her apartment became a battleground. "My house was on the front lines and the Russians resided for a month there," Karpenko said, describing the military ration packs left behind by retreating soldiers. The trauma and uncertainty about the future prompted her to leave Ukraine, first traveling to Poland and then to Germany.

Now, with the war showing no signs of abating, many Ukrainians in Calgary are contemplating making Canada their permanent home. As hope for a peaceful resolution diminishes, the desire for stability grows stronger among the displaced. The ongoing conflict has forced them to reassess their lives and futures, leading to a significant shift in their plans.

Karpenko's experience is not unique. Many others who fled the violence are grappling with similar feelings of uncertainty and fear. The prospect of returning to a war-torn homeland seems increasingly unlikely, prompting discussions about long-term resettlement in Canada.

As the war continues, the community of Ukrainians in Calgary is coming together, sharing their stories and supporting one another. They are navigating the challenges of adapting to a new life while holding onto their cultural identity. The situation remains fluid, but the resolve to build a new life in Canada is becoming more pronounced among those who have been displaced.