Our Conservative government is proud to stand in support of the people of Ukraine. The illegal annexation of Crimea and eastern Ukraine took place one year ago.
“Whether it takes five months or 50 years, Canada will never recognize this annexation as being the genuine will of the Ukrainian people,” said Prime Minister Stephen Harper. “We have instead maintained our call that the Putin regime cease the destabilization campaign it has orchestrated and fully withdraw from Crimea and eastern Ukraine.
Our government has taken concrete action by imposing sanctions against Russian and Ukrainian individuals and entities involved in the illegal annexation of Crimea, including targeted sanctions in regard to Russia’s finance, defence and energy sectors.
Canada has played a leading role in the promotion of security and stability in the region through our deployment of air, land and maritime forces to the area.
Our government has also worked to restore political and economic stability in Ukraine by providing electoral assistance, military training and non-lethal equipment to aid the Ukrainian people.
A resolution to this situation will only come about through the recognition, by all parties, of the sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.
“The people of Ukraine are showing tremendous resilience and courage in the face of aggression,” said Prime Minister Harper.
“Canada will continue to support the Ukrainian people’s fight for freedom and democracy for as long as it takes.”
