OTTAWA –Cathy McLeod, MP for Kamloops-Thompson-Cairboo, says “the situation in Ukraine remains extremely serious, threatening global peace and security.”
The Ukraine is currently in the middle of an ongoing crisis. Following a brutal crackdown on protests of President’s Yanukovych’s regime from December through February which resulted in the death of dozens, Russia has granted Yanukovych asylum and conducted a military invasion of the Crimean region- sovereign Ukrainian territory.
The region is currently under Russian military control, isolated by a Russian naval blockade and military blockades at its borders.
“Canadians have come together in pledging ongoing friendship and expressing their steadfast support for Ukraine’s efforts to defend their sovereignty, and to restore economic and political stability,” says McLeod.
Canada and its G-7 partners have spoken with one voice in condemning President Putin’s military intervention in Ukraine and calling on Russian President Vladimir Putin to immediately withdraw his military.
Canada has taken strong action against Russia in response to their involvement in Crimea.
The Government has joined allies in suspending our engagement in preparations for the G-8 Summit planned in Sochi.
“The Prime Minister, in discussion with our G-7 allies, has also suggested a G-7 meeting within the coming weeks. We have also recalled our Ambassador to Russia for consultations, cancelled any Government representation at the Paralympic Games, and initiated a review of all planned bilateral interaction with Russia. Economic sanctions have also been placed on members of the Yanukovych regime,” said McLeod.
In addition to Canada’s political response, the Prime Minister has cancelled all planned bilateral activities between the Canadian Armed Forces and the military of the Russian Federation. This includes exercises, such as NORAD’s Exercise Vigilant Eagle, and other scheduled meetings. Canada has also sent observers to an important military observer mission to monitor the Russian military intervention in Crimea.
The Government has also provided humanitarian aid to the Ukraine, and is engaged in discussions with the International Monetary Fund in order to help the Ukraine stabilize its economy during the ongoing crisis.
“President Putin’s actions have put his country on a course of diplomatic and economic isolation,” said McLeod. “Canadians stand with the Ukrainian people, and Parliamentarians of all political stripes have shown solidarity in supporting our Government’s actions in joining a united front with our G-7 allies to support Ukraine in the face of this Russian military aggression.”
