Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly says Canada strongly condemns Russia’s recognition of independence of two non-government controlled Eastern Ukraine regions and will impose economic sanctions for the move.
In a statement published on Twitter, Joly says in declaring Donetsk and Luhansk as independent territories, Russia has violated the Minsk agreements, the UN Charter, and has imposed a “serious threat” to the security and stability of the region.
“Canada with its partners and allies will react firmly to this blatant disregard for international law. We are preparing to impose economic sanctions for these actions, separate from those prepared to respond to any further military invasion of Ukraine by Russia,” she said.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered “peacekeeping” troops into the rebel-held areas after pronouncing their independence, a move some world leaders are recognizing as the first wave of a full-scale invasion into Ukraine.
Military tanks and equipment have already started to move in as countries prepare to impose sanctions.
On Tuesday morning, British Prime Minister Boris Johson announced sanctions on five Russian banks as well as three wealthy individuals with close ties to Putin.
Meanwhile Germany said it would freeze the certification of the Nord Stream 2 Baltic Sea gas pipeline project that was designed to double the flow of Russian gas direct to Germany.
U.S. President Joe Biden is scheduled to address reporters Tuesday afternoon about the White House’s response to the latest incursion.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also tweeted on Monday evening that Canada will follow suit with sanctions but didn’t provide detail as to what that would look like.
Canada has imposed more than 440 sanctions related to Russia’s annexation of Crimea.
For weeks the world has braced for an imminent Russian attack in Ukraine as Putin gradually amassed approximately 150,000 soldiers along various sections of the border.
The Canadian government has been steadfast in its support for Ukraine, committing to send lethal and non-lethal weaponry, as well as loans to mitigate financial unsteadiness amid the tensions.
It has also advised all Canadians living in Ukraine to return to Canada.
xjmtzywConservative national defence critic Kerry-Lynne Findlay and foreign affairs critic Michael Chong issued a press release Tuesday stating the party supports “tough” new economic sanctions against Russian officials.
“These sanctions must be severe and proportional to reflect the seriousness of the threats Russia’s acts have to peace, freedom, and democracy in Europe. The government must also take steps, in concert with our allies, to freeze any and all assets in Canada that are controlled by Putin and his inner circle,” it reads.
See below my statement on the situation in Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/BapRl85PtH
— Mélanie Joly (@melaniejoly) February 21, 2022
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Foreign Minister Melanie Joly speaks during a media conference with European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell in Brussels, Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022. (Johanna Geron, Pool Photo via AP)
