Not supporting Ukraine ‘could be devastating’ for the world: Trudeau – National | 24CA News

The penalties of Canada and its allies not supporting Ukraine in its defence towards Russian forces “could be devastating” for the entire world, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says.

His remarks Thursday come as dozens of communities throughout Canada plan to host vigils on Friday to mark one yr since Moscow started its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022.

In the yr since Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered his troops into the neighbouring nation, the world has watched as western nations rallied round Ukraine with monetary and navy assist, which resulted in not solely the defence of the capital, but in addition a major counteroffensive that led to Ukrainian troops regaining territory.

“People of Ukraine are not just fighting for protection of their own territory, their language or the identity of their sovereignty, they are fighting to uphold the rules that underpin all of our democracies: territorial integrity, respect for sovereignty, respect for international law and the UN Charter,” Trudeau informed reporters in Halifax.

“Russia chose to destabilize that and put all that into question, and it’s not just a question of Russia’s behaviour towards Ukraine or any countries around Russia, it’s a question of other countries around the world wondering that, ‘Oh, perhaps might makes right, now. Perhaps because we have a larger army than our neighbour, we can invade, we can attack.’

“The consequences of Canadians not standing with Ukraine, the world not standing with Ukraine right now, could be devastating … for the entire planet. That’s why Canada and our allies will continue to stand with the people of Ukraine as long as it takes.”

6:39NATO, Russia diplomatic tensions rise over Ukraine struggle

Since Russia’s invasion, the federal authorities stated it has dedicated over $5 billion in multifaceted help to Ukraine, together with over $2.6 billion in help, greater than $1.2 billion in navy assist, $320 million in humanitarian assist, $96 million in growth help and greater than $68 million in safety and stabilization programming.

Ahead of the anniversary, G7 international ministers stated on Tuesday that their nations would proceed to impose financial prices on Russia, and urged the broader worldwide neighborhood to reject what they described as Moscow’s “brutal expansionism.”

“We will impose further economic costs on Russia, and on individuals and entities – inside and outside of Russia – that provide political or economic support to these violations of international law,” the leaders stated in a joint assertion.

Joe Biden additionally stated Tuesday that the United States and its companions will announce extra sanctions towards Russia’s president, the U.S. president stated in a speech in Poland following a shock go to to Ukraine.

Numerous commemorations shall be hosted throughout the nation Friday to mark one yr for the reason that invasion.

Ihor Michalchyshyn, government director of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), informed Global News his group is selling 43 occasions organized by volunteers. They’re occurring throughout Canada, together with in cities equivalent to Toronto, Ottawa, Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver, Winnipeg and Fredericton.

The UCC put out a name to motion for as many communities as attainable throughout Canada to prepare public occasions on Friday, and the response exhibits there’s “strong national support” for Ukraine’s battle, Michalchyshyn stated.

“We are the largest Ukrainian community outside of Ukraine, and it shows the world that the community here is actively engaged,” he stated, referencing the diaspora of 1.4 million Ukrainians in Canada.

“Unfortunately, we have to keep reminding ourselves and through the media that the war is not over, that Putin is doubling down and the pressure on Ukraine is going to increase.”

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Michalchyshyn added it’s been a “relentless 365 days of attacks on Ukraine,” and the nation will proceed to wish help from Canada and its allies for the foreseeable future.

“It is not a celebratory mood,” he stated of the one-year anniversary.

“We’re marking the resilience of Ukraine, but we are noting the strength of the people even through these tragic circumstances.”

— with information from Reuters

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