Canada is preparing new economic sanctions against Vladimir Putin’s Russia, which on Monday “recognized” the independence of the pro-Russian regions of eastern Ukraine, Donetsk and Lugansk, thus contravening international law.
• Read also: Putin recognizes the independence of Ukraine’s pro-Russian separatists
• Read also: Ukraine-Russia crisis: Mélanie Joly shortens her mission in Europe
• Read also: US announces sanctions against separatist regions in Ukraine
“Canada, with its partners and allies, will react strongly to this blatant disregard for international law,” Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly said early Monday evening.
Ms. Joly specifies that these sanctions will be different from those already imposed in the past.
With tension running high, Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly ended her trip to Europe early on Sunday to deal with the Canadian response.
A few hours before the official announcement of the Russian government, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that Canada “will respond with strength and firmness with our allies in the event of a territorial violation by Ukraine”.
“We will relentlessly pursue our quest for a diplomatic solution. Russia still has time to choose the path of de-escalation and dialogue,” she said on Twitter.
The day before, Defense Minister Anita Anand welcomed the arrival in Ukraine of weapons sent by Canada. Ms. Anand, who is still in Europe, met this weekend with her Ukrainian counterpart, who thanked Canada for its help.
The Canadian weapons sent, worth $7.8 million, were accompanied by a new loan of $500 million, in addition to an initial loan of $120 million announced in January. Canada also sent a non-lethal team, such as surveillance equipment, for example.
Canada’s response has invited itself into the House of Commons, which is rather busy debating these days the Emergencies Act to manage the crisis of protests against health measures.
Bloc Québécois MP Christine Normandin called on the Liberals to “immediately” implement “preventive sanctions to deter Moscow”.
“Sanctions are always more effective when applied in close cooperation with other countries,” Liberal MP Rob Oliphant told him.
Reference-www.journaldemontreal.com