February 24th, 2022
This is a dark day.
My thoughts are with the Ukrainian people who are dealing with a brutal act of war against their country. As they fight for their country’s sovereignty, they are also fighting to uphold international law, and for democracy.
As the Prime Minister said earlier, this is the “greatest threat to European stability since World War II.” We know that Ukraine’s security is Europe’s security. And we condemn Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified attack on the sovereign, democratic state of Ukraine.
From providing lethal aid, to enacting meaningful and punitive sanctions against individuals and entities in Russia who are directly responsible for this brutal act or who help support it — Canada stands with Ukraine and will continue to provide support.
Putin has been given every opportunity to choose the right path, the path of diplomacy. However, it is clear that Putin and the rest of Russia’s leadership are choosing to weigh their reckless quest for power above the lives of people. And there are consequences for these despicable actions.
Yes, it is a dark day, but I can tell you that the relationships between NATO allies have never been stronger. We are united in the face of this aggression. We will stand up for democracy. We will stand up for peace, security, and stability.
As Deputy Minister Freeland said today, “Russia’s barbaric attack cannot — and will not — be allowed to succeed.”
