Russia Recognized the Donetsk People's Republic and Luhansk People's Republic: Canada's Reaction
The government condemns Vladimir Putin, and residents are divided in their opinions.
On February 21, Russian President Vladimir Putin issued an address in which he recognized the independence of the self-proclaimed republics of Donbas, which had previously been considered part of Ukraine. Putin explained his decision by saying that NATO threatened Russian security. Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky then accused Russia of violating the country's sovereignty. The event triggered an immediate reaction from other countries, including Canada.
"This is a clear violation of the Minsk agreements, the UN Charter, and a serious threat to security and stability in the region," Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly said the same day. — Canada, along with its partners and allies, will respond robustly to this blatant disregard for international law."
Two days before Putin's speech, the Canadian government issued a statement jointly with representatives of other G7 states, calling on Russia to use its influence over the DNR and LNR to prevent them from seceding from Ukraine. Also earlier, Ukrainian communities in Canada had held rallies to draw attention to the tense situation in Ukraine.
Now Canada is promising new sanctions against Russia. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau noted that the country "rejects and condemns Russian decrees sending military forces into Ukraine. Canada has also sent military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
Canadian National Security Advisor Richard Fadden believes that the country can and should take measures to "deter Russian aggression," including sending more of its military to Ukraine.
Canadians are also actively discussing the situation. A new poll conducted by the non-profit Angus Reid Institute shows that Canadians express a desire to support Ukraine in the conflict, but without involving military force.
59% of respondents agreed with sending humanitarian aid, medicine and food to the country. 44% allow military exercises conducted by Canada in Ukraine and only 13% believe that Canadian troops should take part in armed conflicts. At the same time, a high proportion of those who hold the opinion that Canada should stay away and not intervene — 20%.
In discussions on social media, one can see disagreements among Canadians. There are supporters of both the Russian and Ukrainian sides of the conflict.
