In April 2022, hundreds of traumatized Ukrainian refugees boarded Holland America’s Volendam cruise ship after fleeing their homeland due to Russia’s invasion. The refugees, mainly children and families, boarded the ship with their belongings packed in plastic bags, making the ship their home for the next six months. The refugees were visibly scared and unhappy, leaving a lasting impact on the ship’s staff, including Staff Capt. Rakesh Prasad. The Volendam recently arrived in Montreal, marking the start of the 2024 cruise season, with a ceremony held aboard the ship to celebrate the occasion, attended by diplomats from Ukraine and the Netherlands.
During their stay on the Volendam, the refugees created a sense of community, with families offering free haircuts and elderly individuals caring for the children. The ship’s crew hung a large frame filled with drawings by refugee children, now a permanent exhibition on the vessel. The Honorary Consul of Ukraine in Montreal, Eugene Czolij, expressed gratitude for the friendly manner in which the refugees were hosted on the ship. Capt. Rens Van Eerten highlighted the long history of the Netherlands in assisting refugees, dating back to the Second World War. The Dutch government approached Holland America to house the refugees, providing them with a relatively normal life during the crisis.
While the Netherlands initially responded eagerly to help Ukrainian refugees in 2022, there is now a sense of “Ukraine fatigue” in some Western countries, according to the Honorary Consul of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Montreal, Michael Polak. He acknowledged that some allies have become more hesitant in their support for Ukraine, questioning their commitments and avoiding spending money. However, Polak stressed the importance of ongoing assistance, as the war in Ukraine continues to escalate. United States President Joe Biden approved a $1 billion military aid package for Ukraine, including air defense capabilities and weapons to bolster Ukrainian forces. Czolij believes this aid is crucial for Ukraine’s ability to defend itself and ultimately win the war, emphasizing the significance of Ukraine’s role in defending not only its own territory but all of Europe.
Despite potential fatigue among some allies, it is crucial to recognize the ongoing severity of the situation in Ukraine, as the war shows no signs of abating. Czolij warned that if Ukraine were to lose the war, it could potentially lead to a much larger conflict, impacting the entire world. The support and aid provided by countries like the United States are vital in assisting Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression. The plight of the Ukrainian refugees aboard the Volendam serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of war and the importance of international assistance in times of crisis. The exhibition of children’s drawings on the ship serves as a lasting testament to the resilience and strength of the Ukrainian people in the face of adversity.
