OTTAWA – The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) applauded the March 15 announcement by Canada’s Department of Global Affairs that 114 individuals and 15 entities have been sanctioned in response to Russia’s aggressive actions in the Black Sea and the Kerch Strait and Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea.
Last November three Ukrainian ships were captured by Russian naval forces, 24 Ukrainian sailors were captured and are still in Russian captivity. The UCC noted that this was a “premeditated and deliberate act of aggression against Ukraine by Russia, which has been waging war on Ukraine for over five years.” In addition, over 70 other Ukrainian citizens are currently illegally imprisoned in Russia.
Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Chrystia Freeland stated: “Canada and its allies are unwavering in our support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Russia’s provocations in the Kerch Strait and its illegal invasion and ongoing occupation of Crimea will not go unchecked. Alongside our international partners, we call on Russia to immediately release the 24 detained Ukrainian servicemen and return the seized vessels. Russia must allow free and unhindered passage through the Kerch Strait and the Sea of Azov. Today’s sanctions demonstrate that Canada and the international community are ready to impose costs on Russia when it ignores international law and the rules-based international order.”
Alexandra Chyczij, national president of the UCC, underscored: “Russia’s continuing aggression against Ukraine, and the illegal imprisonment by Russia of Ukrainian political prisoners are an affront to the values of peace, democracy and human rights that we as Canadians hold dear” She added: “We welcome today’s announcement, and the leadership that Canada has shown in support of Ukraine. The international community must continue to unequivocally oppose and condemn Russia’s deplorable actions, which threaten not only Ukraine’s sovereignty, but the peace and liberty of the European continent.”
Ihor Michalchyshyn, CEO of the UCC, stated: “Crimea was, is and always will be sovereign Ukrainian territory. Russia’s invasion and ongoing illegal occupation has brought terror and fear to the people of Crimea and Ukraine. Russia must face consequences of its aggression in the Kerch Strait. It is crucial that Canada and our allies maintain pressure on Russia until the occupation of Crimea is reversed, and until Russia stops its war of aggression in eastern Ukraine and releases all Ukrainian political prisoners.”
The previous sanctions by Canada dealing with Russian’s illegal annexation of Crimea were announced in November of 2016.