Monday has been Russians lining up at banks to pull out what’s left of their plummeting money. The currency is said to be in freefall as the world takes economic action against Moscow for the invasion of Ukraine. And there are historic scenes in Western Europe as EU countries turn from traditional neutrality to assist Ukraine.

Dave Bottoms/Facebook

Toronto Ukrainians and their friends have marched in large numbers down Yonge St to Nathan Phillips Square on Sunday to denounce the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The event was called a “Mega March for Ukraine” and many signs recalled the historic domination of Ukrainians by the Soviet Union. University Rosedale MP Chrystia Freeland, Canada’s deputy prime minister, walked at the front of the march. Among those present was Margaret Atwood.

Margaret Atwood

Thousands have rallied at Nathan Phillips Square Sunday to show support for Ukraine. Below, UN ambassador Bob Rae is interviewed by the CBC. He suggests Vladimir Putin sliding into mental instability. It is a frightening prospect for the entire world, including Russia.

CNN is reporting that Ukraine has agreed to meet Russia at the border. This word comes three days into the invasion of Ukraine by the Russian army and follows much loss of life and damage. The role of China is debated in such a meeting. Some say the huge Asian superpower has become quite uneasy with its role as a Russian ally. Other reports Sunday say Vladimir Putin has put Russian nuclear weapons on alert. It seems insane and there are many who wonder about the mental stability of the nearly 70-year-old dictator. God forbid he has decided to go out with a bang. Below is Global news live, starting at 11 a.m. Sunday.

• Russia, Ukraine agree to meet — CBC

Please, officer, get us to the Clamshell on time/TPS

Ron Fanfair of the Toronto Police Service tells the story of how PC Marcie Beaven-Brindle agreed to take a stranded pair of sweethearts to City Hall in time for their marriage. It happened on February 19 when Brijesh Patel and Arohie Chopra found their ride-share car hopelessly stuck behind road closures related to the trucker convoy nuttiness. Desperate not to miss the time set for their civil ceremony, Brijesh dared to ask Constable Beaven-Brindle for a lift. Well, she said yes. And there’s nothing like some flashing lights and the odd woot woot from the siren to clear the way to a happy wedding day. Police escort down the aisle.

Brijesh Patel and Arohie Chopra happily wed/TPS

The situation on the ground in Ukraine is grim Saturday as politicians take up arms and many families hide in bomb shelters. Russian lies about the nature of the Kyiv government seem increasingly outlandish. So, is Putin’s decision to make war all about a fragile ego (he’s got a big one) or a genuine fear for the future of Russia? This report by Eric Sorensen addresses that question.

As seen in the 1980s/HBC Heritage

Hudson’s Bay will close its landmark store at Yonge and Bloor Sts on May 31, the company has announced. It says the location at Queen and Yonge will continue to serve the community with a “seamless omnichannel experience.” As explained by CTV, the closure of Hudson’s Bay on Bloor follows a legal battle between the company and the Ontario government last year. At the time, shopping malls were forced to close due to pandemic public health measures and Hudson’s Bay stopped paying its rent. Although, a provincial judge later ordered the department store chain to pay 90 percent of its rent and resume full payments by Nov. 2021.

Vladimir Putin, the former KGB agent who has become more or less Russia’s president for life, has invaded Ukraine. The invading forces are on the outskirts of the capital, Kyiv, and it seems Putin would simply like to swallow up Ukraine holus-bolus. Euronews breaking stories

Want to help Ukraine?

Canadian government reportedly matching individual donations up to $10M. Several Canadian charities accepting monetary donations for humanitarian aid. More here

Implicit threat of nuclear war

It appears that the horrifying prospect of mutual self-destruction by nuclear war is among Putin’s weapons. According to this account, he didn’t use the actual words but the meaning seems clear.

Ontario Medical Officer of Health Dr. Keiren Moore continues to speak positively about a time when the compulsory mask order will be lifted. But during his regular press briefing Thursday he declined to set a date. Dr Moore said he expects mask requirements will end “simultaneously” across most areas (stores and schools) when it is safe to do so, rather than on a piecemeal basis. Quebec has announced a plan to lift the mask mandate in elementary and secondary school classrooms by March 14 en route to eventually scrapping it for other indoor public settings as well. Moore said Ontario will instead look to lift the mandate entirely, with exceptions likely to be made for certain high-risk settings like public transit and hospitals where masks have provided a “safety net.”

This excellent account tells of Vladimir Putin’s burning intention to redress the humiliation of the USSR more than 30 years ago. Since the collapse of the Communist empire, almost every single puppet state has eagerly joined NATO. No wonder thoughtful people fear war.

Driving down the reputation of truckers

You don’t have to agree with so-called vaccine mandates to find the behaviour of fringe truckers unacceptable. Now there’s a convoy headed for Washington.

Dubai dog hotel for the barking wealthy

This is fun but only if you’re rich as Croesus.