Trudeau reaffirms Ukraine support as Canada targets leaders in Russian energy sector

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday, reiterating Canada’s “unwavering” support and vowing to work with allies to hold Russia accountable for the invasion.

“Volodymyr, Canada and the world stand with you – and call for an immediate end to President Putin’s illegal attacks that have resulted in the deaths of civilians,” Trudeau said in a tweet.

The prime minister also commended Zelenskyy for his outstanding bravery and front-line leadership, calling it inspirational for Canadians and people around the world.

Trudeau also promised to keep working with allies and partners to hold Russia accountable for “its unjustifiable and illegal invasion of Ukraine’s sovereign territory.”

“Our support is unwavering.”

We’ll keep working with allies and partners to hold Russia accountable, including with severe and coordinated sanctions – and we’ll continue to be there for the people of Ukraine. Our support is unwavering.

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) March 3, 2022

Zelenskyy thanked Trudeau for his leadership in imposing anti-Russian sanctions and stressed the need to expand restrictive measures, saying in a tweet the bombing of civilians in Ukraine must be stopped immediately. He also welcomed Canada’s timely announcement of further military support.

In the House of Commons, Trudeau promised new action to help settle Ukrainian refugees in Canada.

“We are looking at all different ways of doing it,” Trudeau says. “We will be making an announcement shortly about the best way to ensure Ukrainians can come to Canada quickly and safely.”

Trudeau’s steadfast support for Ukraine was also evident in a call with Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett on Wednesday. Both leaders expressed profound concern about the human cost of armed conflict and the unfolding humanitarian crisis.

“The leaders strongly condemned the attacks that have reportedly damaged the Babyn Yar Holocaust memorial site near Kyiv, and together underlined the importance of efforts to bring an end to this unnecessary conflict that will have far-reaching global impacts,” Trudeau’s office said in a readout of their conversation.

On his way into caucus Wednesday morning, Trudeau said sanctions from European and Western allies had “surprised” Putin and that they are having an impact.

Canada targets top individuals from Russian energy companies

Canada is now taking aim at leaders in Russia’s energy sector, the latest move in a set of strict economic sanctions against the country.

A statement from Global Affairs Canada says the federal government is imposing restrictions on 10 key individuals from two of Russia’s top energy companies, Rosneft and Gazprom.

“These measures are intended to put further pressure on Russia’s leadership to cease its violations of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” reads the statement.

“Canada is taking these actions alongside its international partners and allies and in solidarity with the government and people of Ukraine.”

Earlier this week, Deputy Prime Minister warned the sanctions against Russia will not be completely one-sided. She says some collateral damage should be expected for the Canadian economy.

NDP leader Jagmeet Singh said he would like to see more targeted measures against those close to the Russian leader.

Canada has already cut off Russian banks, politicians and elites while also banning Russian crude oil and petroleum products.

With files from Cormac Mac Sweeney