Calgary volunteer soldier recovering from Ukraine injuries hopes to return to front lines as war marks four years

As Ukraine marks four years since Russia launched its full scale invasion, a Calgary man recovering from serious injuries says he intends to rejoin his unit once he is medically cleared.

Mac Hughes has been serving with the Ukrainian armed forces since the early months of the conflict in 2022. He was badly burned last year when an exploding drone pinned him between a vehicle and a wall, leaving him with significant injuries that required ongoing treatment.

Now recovering, Hughes says the anniversary of the invasion is unlikely to carry special meaning for troops still stationed along the front lines. For many soldiers, he suggests, the date will be marked by continued fighting rather than ceremonies or reflection.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began on February 24, 2022, triggering one of the largest armed conflicts in Europe since the Second World War. The war has resulted in tens of thousands of casualties and displaced millions of civilians, while drawing sustained military and humanitarian support from Western countries, including Canada.

Canada has committed financial aid, military training and equipment to Ukraine since the outset of the war. The federal government has also renewed temporary immigration measures allowing displaced Ukrainians to seek refuge and work in Canadian communities, including Calgary, which has welcomed newcomers through local sponsorship groups.

Hughes’ experience reflects the ongoing personal and community ties between Canada and Ukraine as the conflict enters its fifth year, with no immediate resolution in sight.