Canada was the first Western country to officially recognize Ukraine’s independence in
1991, and the two countries have maintained close diplomatic relations since then. Ever
since Russia invaded Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, Canada has been
supporting and helping Ukraine by imposing diplomatic and economic sanctions against
Russian individuals and organizations. Canada has also been providing direct support to the
Ukrainian government and military in a number of different ways.
Let us begin by talking about the actors in this context. Firstly, we have the Prime
Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau followed by the Ukrainian President, Volodymyr
Zelenskyy and lastly, Vladimir Putin, President of Russia.
This article mainly discusses about how Canada actively supports Ukraine on several fronts
by being committed to not only providing tangible support but also making sure Russia is
held accountable for its actions. Canada's condemnation of Russia's actions is clear and
resolute. Its stance not only addresses the current conflict but also underscores their
broader concerns about Russia's behaviour, including the illegal annexation of Crimea and
the crackdown on civil society and political opposition. Not only is Canada reacting to the
immediate crisis but it is also expressing a deeper concern about Russia's actions and their
impact on the international order. Canada remains unwavering in its support for the
independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Ukraine and vehemently condemns
Russia's illicit and heinous acts.
Canada and Ukraine took a bold step and formed a working committee with G7 allies
to investigate the confiscation and forfeiture of Russian assets, including those from the
Russian Central Bank. It demonstrates a concerted attempt to investigate and maybe take
action against the economic implications of Russia's involvement in the conflict.
Furthermore, Canada's decision to add 63 Russian individuals and groups to its sanctions list,
especially those involved in heinous acts like the kidnapping of children and spreading
disinformation, is a clear and targeted response. This demonstrates a commitment to
holding individuals accountable for specific actions that go against international norms and
human rights. It aligns with the broader strategy of not only addressing the military aspects
of the conflict but also targeting entities that contribute to the destabilization caused by
Russia's actions. Trudeau's approach on taking action against Russian assets in addition to
military helps show a commitment to addressing the situation from various angles.
Moreover, Canada has committed more than $9 billion (said the Prime Minister's
Office) in financial, development, humanitarian and non-lethal military assistance, including
military equipment, to Ukraine since the beginning of the armed conflict in 2014 and states
to provide more $650 million in new military assistance over the next three years (Trudeau
said). According to Trudeau, Canada will provide Ukraine with 50 armoured vehicles,
including armoured medical evacuation vehicles, along with a support package that includes
35 drones with high-resolution cameras, pilot and maintenance instructors for F-16 fighter
planes, assistance for maintaining Leopard 2 combat tanks, light vehicles, and ammunition.
Modern battles require strong air defence capabilities, and strengthening Ukraine in this
area shows an intention to enhancing its defences against various threats. In a consortium
strategy, working with allies like the U.K. adds an international dimension to the aid,
increasing its efficacy.
Additionally, the signing of a free trade agreement between the two governments
adds an economic dimension to their collaboration. It not only facilitates economic ties but
can also contribute to Ukraine's long-term resilience and development. Also, the agreement
to continued aid for Ukraine has been signed which led to an extend in financial support
until the 2024 fiscal year.
The emphasis on cyber resilience is especially relevant given the increasing importance
of cybersecurity in modern conflicts. Moreover, supporting infrastructure rebuilding,
assisting farmers and contributing to mental health support underline a holistic approach to
addressing the multifaceted challenges that Ukraine is facing.
Trudeau's strong statement reflects a clear and steadfast commitment to the defence
of democracy and a bold condemnation of Putin's actions in Ukraine. It is apparent that
Canada is not only providing immediate aid but is also considering the long-term well-being
and resilience of Ukraine.
In my opinion, this frame does tend to leave out few aspects for example, Putin’s
response to this action taken by the Canadian government.
To conclude, maintaining a high level of support for Ukraine should remain a priority
for the Canadian Government both because of the close cultural ties between our nations
and as part of Canada’s ongoing commitment to supporting democracy and peace around
the world.
The link of the article that is framed is:
https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-canada-trudeau-russia-warReference:
https://www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Committee/421/NDDN/Reports/RP9313861/nddnrp
08/nddnrp08-e.pdf
UCID: 30219891
Name: Nimrat Kaur Grewal