The first of three flights with about 900 Ukrainians in Canada landed in Winnipeg

The first of three charter flights carrying Ukrainian refugees fleeing the Russian invasion of Canada landed in Manitoba this afternoon.

The flight landed at Winnipeg Richardson International Airport.

Immigration Minister Sean Fraser said the three flights should help bring in about 900 Ukrainians approved for emergency travel to Canada.

The second will leave for Montreal from Poland on May 29, and the third, for Halifax, will depart on June 2.

The Canadian government has already welcomed thousands of Ukrainians since the first attack by Russian forces in late February.

Manitoba said the refugees would be taken to a Ukrainian refugee reception center in the province to receive resettlement assistance upon arrival.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on May 23, 2022.