Justin Trudeau Promises Canada Will Stand with Ukraine and Impose Consequences on Russia

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced a series of measures to support Ukraine, including military, economic, and humanitarian assistance. In addition, Trudeau has promised to take diplomatic actions to punish Russia for its involvement in the war.

During a joint news conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Ottawa, Trudeau stated, “We’re continuing to impose costs on Russia and ensuring that those responsible for this illegal, unjustifiable invasion do not benefit from it.”

Zelenskyy also addressed Canada’s Parliament, following his meetings with U.S. President Joe Biden and lawmakers in Washington. He recently spoke at the U.N. General Assembly as well.

As part of the support package, Canada and Ukraine will establish a working group with G7 partners to study seizure and forfeiture of Russian assets, including assets from the Russian Central Bank. Furthermore, Canada has added 63 Russian individuals and entities to its sanctions list, including those involved in child kidnapping and spreading disinformation.

Trudeau revealed that Canada will provide $650 million in new military assistance over the next three years. This includes 50 armored vehicles, including armored medical evacuation vehicles, pilot and maintenance instructors for F-16 fighter jets, support for Leopard 2 battle tank maintenance, 35 drones with high-resolution cameras, light vehicles, and ammunition.

In addition, Canada will financially contribute to a U.K.-led consortium delivering air defense equipment to Ukraine. The monetary support will continue into the 2024 fiscal year, and the two governments have also signed a free trade agreement.

Canada’s assistance will extend to nongovernmental organizations and Ukraine’s government, with measures to enhance cyber resilience, rebuild local infrastructure, assist farmers, contribute to Ukraine’s national war memorial, and increase the availability of mental health support.

Trudeau emphasized, “We stand here absolutely united in our defense of democracy and our condemnation of Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked, unjustified, and unconscionable invasion of Ukraine.”

Source: [Original Source]