‘Make Blini Not War’: Russian Montrealers Serve Up Sweets to Protest Ukraine Invasion

As images of war fill up screens and websites across the world, Russian Montrealers are protesting against the Ukrainian War in a unique way—through food. 

Marat Solodky, founder and host of “Make Blini Not War,” says, “It’s very important right now to speak up.” 

The blini, a dessert crepe originally served during the Slavic holiday Maslenitsa, has become the community’s protest symbol against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. 

Originating in the pre-Christian era, Maslenitsa is a week-long event that occurs at the end of February, celebrating the beginning of spring through butter-based foods like pancakes and pirogies. During Maslenitsa, there are as many festivities as there are foods, some of them being sleigh rides, snowball fights, and wrestling. 

But in the wake of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked invasion into Ukraine almost two weeks ago, traditional celebrations have been all but postponed in eastern Europe.

One subset of Montreal’s Russian community, however, has found celebrating can take on many forms—and that includes helping.

Through their campaign, “Make Blini Not War,” Solodky and his friends served free blini at Montreal’s La Fontaine Park, providing locals the opportunity to donate money to support Ukraine’s civilian infrastructures during ongoing warfare. 

One patron says, “They were really delicious; my son enjoyed them particularly. He wanted more, but I said no, no, no.” 

Solodky says, “We just hoped to collect some significant amount that can actually make any difference.”

All proceeds were given to Razom, an emergency response program that provides food, water, and medicine to areas of Ukraine ravaged by war. This nonprofit human rights organization works alongside governments and embassies to pinpoint areas in need of medical supplies and emergency assistance.

And through Razom’s help, “Make Blini Not War” is one of the many ways Montreal’s eastern European community is fighting against Russian warfare in Ukraine.