04 May 2026

Permanent Representative addressed delegates of the National Congress of the Ukrainian Canadian Students’ Union

Permanent Representative Olha Kuryshko addressed the delegates of the National Congress of the Ukrainian Canadian Students’ Union (SUSK), which took place in Ottawa from April 30 to May 4.

The event was held under the slogan “Will Is Not Silent” (Volia Ne Movchyt) and emphasized that Russia’s war against Ukraine began with the occupation of Crimea 12 years ago.

In her speech, Olha Kuryshko thanked the Canadian students for their leadership and participation in the Advocacy Mentorship Program for Crimean political prisoners. She shared in detail the story of 23-year-old Appaz Kurtamet, who was illegally sentenced by the occupiers to 7 years in a strict-regime penal colony on a fabricated charge.

The Permanent Representative also urged the young leaders to continue international advocacy and support Crimean political prisoners, particularly through the “Letters to a Free Crimea” campaign, which helps those behind bars to persevere.