First cruise of the season | Volendam’s captain remembered the Ukrainians he had sheltered

Rakesh Prasad, chief officer of the Holland America cruise ship, recalled the shocked faces of the hundreds of Ukrainians who boarded the ship in April 2022 in the port of Rotterdam, Netherlands.

The 1,500 refugees who fled the Russian invasion months ago carried only what they could carry on board, mostly in plastic bags. The ship served as their home for the six months in port.

“You see the kids, you can feel how scared they are, not happy,” said Mr. Prasad said, standing at the edge of the indoor pool. VolendamStopped at the Port of Montreal.

To celebrate the ship’s arrival, PAM hosted a ceremony on board with guests including ambassadors from Ukraine and the Netherlands.

A few meters from the swimming pool, towards the entrance to the dining room, members of staff Volendum In 2022 a large frame of drawings of refugee children living on the ship was hung. These drawings now form a permanent exhibition on board.

Peeking into the wooden interior Volendum, Ukraine’s honorary ambassador in Montreal, Eugene Solij, said the refugees were “clearly welcomed very friendly,” pointing to a photo frame. He thanked the Dutch authorities for their help.

Now it’s full of vacationers Volendam Converted to a Ukrainian village for six months in 2022. Mr Prasad said the refugees had adapted to their environment. “Families offered free haircuts, old women looked after children. It became a community and when it came time to leave, the majority wanted to stay,” he said.

Captain of Volendam, Rens van Eerden said the Netherlands has a long history of helping refugees flee war, including helping people escape the Nazis during World War II. He explained that shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine, the Dutch government contacted its owner VolendumHolland America, to ask to charter the vessel.

“We got one. We welcomed (refugees), took care of them, and made sure they lead a relatively normal life at that time. »

Delays in aid to Ukraine

As the Netherlands rushed to offer aid in April 2022, we were feeling the “Ukrainian fatigue” that gripped some Western countries, lamented the Netherlands’ honorary ambassador in Montreal, Michael Polak.

At the beginning of the war, Polak said, “everyone was determined to help Ukraine fight Russian aggression.” But in the last six to 12 months, “some partners are a little reluctant, questioning their obligations and not wanting to spend money.”

“But in reality this war continues and it is far from being resolved. »

On April 24, US President Joe Biden immediately approved sending $1 billion in military aid to Ukraine, the first installment of $61 billion allocated to the country. The package includes air defense capabilities, artillery shells, armored vehicles and other weapons to support Ukrainian forces as Russian President Vladimir Putin piles on victory after victory.

The announcement marked the end of a long and painful battle with Republicans in Congress over emergency aid to Ukraine.

Mr. said that the American aid was very helpful. Solij said he believes it will help Ukraine win the war. He said that the only people who are “fed up” with Ukraine are those who do not understand that Ukraine not only defends its territorial integrity, but also “defends Europe as a whole”.

“If Ukraine, God forbid, loses this war, we will see World War III,” he said. »