SA Ukrainians pray for ‘peace and justice’ at 1000-day mark of Russia’s invasion

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has hit a grim milestone, but South Australia’s Ukrainian community fears what another thousand days of war could bring.

Praying for “peace and justice”, South Australia’s Ukrainian community has commemorated 1000 days since Russia invaded their homeland.

At Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church at Kilkenny on Wednesday night, candles were lit and hymns sung for those who have died and those enduring.

On February 24, 2022, Russian forces crossed Ukraine’s border in a “special military operation” to claim the separatist regions of Donetsk and Luhansk.

That turned into a comprehensive invasion and the death toll, while disputed, is estimated at more than 100,000 by most observers.

Members of South Australia's Ukrainian community gathered at Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church at Kilkenny to mark 1000 days since Russia invaded Ukraine. Picture: George Yankovich

Picture: George Yankovich

Kseniia Boleckyj, 46, has lived in Australia for five years, but returned to Ukraine in early 2024 to visit her brother who had been wounded in conflict.

“The Ukrainians want victory,” she said.

“The conditions are very difficult, but people are united around the fact that Ukraine must exist.”

Ukrainian expat Svitlana, 54, continued to make her yearly trip back home, where her mother and sister remain.

But this year, rather than sadness at returning to Australia, she said she felt relief.

Association of Ukrainians in South Australia president Frank Fursenko and Ukrainian expat Svitlana inside the church hall. Picture: George Yankovich

“I now understand war is a complete evil,” she said.

“I was devastated to see the country. I could see people are stressed, but very strong.

“But when you have missiles flying over you and air raid sirens, that makes a difference.”

A few weeks ago, she got word that her old neighbour, a 22-year-old military officer, was killed in action.

“He still looked like a boy,” she said.

“It is like that everywhere … You see photos put up on the street of people who have died and it is like their eyes follow you.”

Four to five hundred Ukrainian refugees have arrived in South Australia since the war began, according to Association of Ukrainians in South Australia president Frank Fursenko.

The challenge has been to help them find employment and housing, and gain permanent residency.

Mr Fursenko thanked the Australian government for its military support, but believed neither Ukraine nor Russia could see out another 1000 days of conflict.

“I don’t think Russia can maintain this pressure and they are suffering huge casualties,” he said.

“But Ukraine doesn’t have the ability to sustain these casualties either, and I just don’t think we can keep doing this for another two and a half years.”