Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued a statement on Thursday, February 24, 2022 condemning Russia’s attack on Ukraine.
“Canada condemns in the strongest possible terms Russia’s egregious attack on Ukraine,” the Prime Minister stated.
“These unprovoked actions are a clear further violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. They are also in violation of Russia’s obligations under international law and the Charter of the United Nations.”
Prime Minister Trudeau said Canada calls on Russia to immediately cease all hostile and provocative actions against Ukraine and withdraw all military and proxy forces from the country.
“Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected and the Ukrainian people must be free to determine their own future,” the Prime Minister stated.
“Russia’s actions will be met with severe consequences. Tomorrow morning, I will be meeting with G7 partners, and we will continue working closely and quickly with NATO and our allies to collectively respond to these reckless and dangerous acts, including by imposing significant sanctions in addition to those already announced.”
In the face of these attacks on Ukraine, Trudeau said Canada will take additional action to stop Russia’s unwarranted aggression.
“We continue to stand with Ukraine, its people, and the Ukrainian Canadian community here in Canada. Russia’s brazen acts will not go unpunished,” the Prime Minister added.
Minister Monte McNaughton, the MPP in Lambton-Kent-Middlesex, said he’ll do everything to support the people of Ukraine.
“My heart is with the people of Ukraine,” Minister McNaughton tweeted.
“As Minister responsible for immigration in Ontario, I will do everything that I can to welcome those looking to escape this crisis.”
Earlier this week, Canadian officials said Canada and Ukraine are steadfast partners and close friends.
Alongside its international partners and allies, and in solidarity with the government and people of Ukraine, Canada unequivocally condemns Russia’s decision to recognize the independence of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions in Ukraine, Canadian officials say.
Russia’s action constitutes a brazen violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence, and demonstrates a blatant disregard for international law.
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Trudeau announced that Canada is imposing new sanctions under the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations and the Special Economic Measures (Ukraine) Regulations.
These measures will:
– Impose restrictions on members of the Russian State Duma who voted for the decision to recognize the independence of the Donetsk and Luhansk
– Impose a dealings ban on the non-government controlled areas of Donetsk and Luhansk, which will effectively prohibit Canadians from engaging in specific transactions and activities in these regions;
– Place new prohibitions on direct and indirect dealings in Russian sovereign debt; and
– Impose sanctions on two significant Russian financial institutions in order to hinder Russia’s ability to further fund its aggressive actions.
The Prime Minister also announced that Canada is sending additional military contributions to support North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in the face of rising tensions in the region.
These contributions, which fall under Operation REASSURANCE, will strengthen NATO’s deterrence and defence efforts by increasing Canada’s land, maritime, and air capabilities in Europe. Specifically, Canada will provide:
– Up to an additional 460 personnel to the approximately 800 currently deployed in Europe in support of NATO, including:
– A battery of M777 artillery guns with forward observers and an electronic warfare troop to bolster the Canadian led enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group in Latvia;
– A second frigate, with an embarked maritime helicopter, to participate in NATO’s Standing Naval Forces; and
– The re-tasking of a CP-140 Aurora long range patrol aircraft already in the region, which will now operate in the Euro-Atlantic Area under NATO command and control.
– In addition, approximately 3,400 Canadian Armed Forces personnel across all branches of the service are authorized to deploy to the NATO Response Force should they be required by NATO.
On December 2, 1991, Canada became the first western country to recognize Ukraine’s independence.
Canada and Ukraine have enjoyed a close relationship since.
Canadian officials say the bilateral relationship is strengthened by warm people-to-people ties, rooted in the Ukrainian-Canadian community of 1.3 million people.
The 1994 Joint Declaration on Special Partnership recognizes Canada’s support for the development of Ukraine and the importance of bilateral cooperation.
Canada is represented in Ukraine by the Embassy of Canada to Ukraine in Kyiv and the Consulate of Canada in Lviv.
Ukraine is represented in Canada by an embassy in Ottawa, consulates general in Toronto and Edmonton and an honorary consulate in Vancouver.
Canadians in #Ukraine: if you need consular assistance, contact us:
⁃ sos@international.gc.ca
⁃ +1-613-996-8885
⁃ WhatsApp: 613-909-8881Travel advice: https://t.co/PNNrRSfOGh
Canada’s response to the crisis: https://t.co/Xauf5hSAUz pic.twitter.com/FGJ6MpZro9— Travel.gc.ca (@TravelGoC) February 22, 2022
