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Prime Minister Justin Trudeau lashed out at Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday for the invasion of Ukraine.
But during a media conference, Trudeau stopped short of saying the western world was at war with Russia.
“We condemn unequivocally this attack on Ukraine, this invasion of Ukraine, but also the violation of the UN Charter, the principles, the rule of law internationally and we will respond forcefully to make sure that Russia fails, that Russia does not benefit from having invaded Ukraine,” Trudeau told reporters.
“We’ve demonstrated not just with Canada’s response in sanctions but with the unity that we’ve seen among G7 (and) NATO leaders, among EU leaders and indeed among leaders from around the world that what Russia is doing is terrible and wrong and will be met firmly and forcefully with a response that will punish Russia and make sure they understand that this was a grave misunderstanding of the rules-based order and a grave miscalculation by Vladimir Putin.”
Russian forces invaded Ukraine from the north, south and east on Wednesday night, launching missile strikes and bombing raids before ground forces crossed the borders.
On Tuesday, Canada levied economic sanctions against Russia for some of its actions leading up to the invasion. On Thursday, Trudeau said Canada was going further.
Its new sanctions will target 58 individuals and entities, including members of the Russian elite and their family members, as well as Russian banks. As well, members of the Russian security council — including the defence, finance and justice ministers — will face sanctions.
Canada also will be ceasing all export permits for Russia and will be cancelling existing permits.
“These sanctions are wide-reaching,” Trudeau said. “They will impose severe costs on complicit Russian elites and they will limit President Putin’s ability to continue funding this unjustified invasion.”
Trudeau said he spoke earlier in the day with G7 leaders and with NATO leaders and allies.
Canada previously sent 460 Canadian Forces personnel to bolster NATO’s eastern flank in Europe and, on Thursday, the federal government put another 3,400 personnel on standby in case they’re needed to defend NATO countries.
“(Putin) has needlessly put the lives of innocent people at risk, violated Russia’s international treaties and launched the greatest threat to European stability since World War II,” Trudeau said.
“Canada is unequivocal in our condemnation of Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified attack on the sovereign, democratic state of Ukraine. President Putin’s brazen disregard for international law, democracy and human life are a massive threat to security and peace around the world.”
The Canadian government has arranged for safe passage of Canadian citizens from Ukraine into neighbouring countries, including Poland, Slovakia and Hungary. Canada also is speeding up the immigration process for Ukrainians who want to come to Canada.
Trudeau added a message for Ukrainians, saying: “You are not alone. We are standing with you.”
Biden announces stronger sanctions, action against banks
U.S. President Joe Biden added his voice to those condemning the actions of Russia against Ukraine.
Biden told media Thursday afternoon the “brutal” military attack on Ukraine by Russia was planned, premeditated and without provocation.
“We’ve been transparent with the world. We’ve shared declassified evidence about Russia’s plans, cyberattacks and false pretexts so that there could be no confusion or coverup about what Putin is doing,” Biden said.
Biden said every good faith effort made to address security concerns as Russia continued to strengthen its military forces along the border with Ukraine had been rejected and the situation unfolding now is happening largely as predicted.
Calling Russia’s attack a “flagrant violation of international law,” Biden said new U.S. measures will “limit Russia’s ability,” particularly economically.
“Today, I’m authorizing additional strong sanctions,” Biden said, “and new limitations on what can be exported to Russia.
“This is going to impose severe cost on the Russian economy, both immediately and over time … We have purposely designed these sanctions to maximize a long-term impact on Russia.”
The U.S. is not acting alone in enacting such measures, Biden said, citing a coalition of partners representing more than half the global economy — including 27 members of the European Union. The partners include Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, Japan, Australia and more.
“Putin is the aggressor. Putin chose this war,” Biden said.
Biden also announced the U.S. will be blocking four more major banks as of Thursday, including VTB, the second-largest bank in Russia.
“That means every asset they have in America will be frozen,” Biden stated.
— With files from 650 CKOM’s Libby Giesbrecht