Canada’s Prime Minister says Russia’s attack on Ukraine is horrific and unprovoked. Justin Trudeau states that Russian President Vladimir Putin has violated international treaties and launched the greatest threat to European stability since World War Two, and Canada is unequivocal in its condemnation of this unjustified attack.
On Tuesday, the federal government announced sanctions against Russia and an additional 460 Canadian Forces troops. Today (Thurs), the Prime Minister announced new sanctions, to include members of the Russian elite , major Russian banks and the Russian Security Council.
All exports which require permits will be blocked, and no air space technology or minerals can be exported to Russia.
Trudeau says these are disturbing times, and while eyes are on the actions of world leaders, we can’t forget the human consequences with innocent people, including children facing violence and chaos. The federal government has arranged for safe passage of Canadian residents in Ukraine at the land borders with Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Moldova.
Travel documents for affected Canadians, permanent residents and immediate family members are urgently being issued. Trudeau adds that the government is also prioritizing immigration applications for Ukrainians who want to come to Canada. A new, dedicated phone line is being launched for anyone who has urgent Ukraine-related immigration questions.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy today (Thurs) to express solidarity and support. A news release from the Prime Minister’s Office says Trudeau strongly condemned the large-scale military aggression by the Russian Federation against the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.
He reiterated that Ukraine’s security is also Europe’s security and that of all democratic states. Zelenskyy thanked the Prime Minister for announcing punitive sanctions against those in Russia who are directly responsible and those who help to support the attack on Ukraine. Two shipments of lethal aid from Canada arrived earlier this week. The Prime Minister stressed that Russia’s actions are blatant violations of international law, and will not be tolerated.
