PRIME Minister Justin Trudeau joined a call between Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland and Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shymal to offer support and express solidarity with the people in Ukraine.

Trudeau and Freeland strongly condemned the large-scale military aggression by Russia against the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. The two leaders emphasized that Ukraine’s security is also Europe’s security and that of all democratic states seeking to uphold fundamental principles of international law and state sovereignty. Shymal thanked Trudeau for the recently announced sanctions and for Canada’s dedicated support to the people of Ukraine.

Trudeau commended Shymal and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s courage and resolve to remain in Kyiv and to be leading the people of Ukraine in such exemplary fashion, through this unprovoked and unjustified Russian invasion. The Deputy Prime Minister praised the groundswell of support from citizens of Ukraine and those in the region and around the world, who are demonstrating their solidarity with Ukraine in various ways.

Trudeau stressed that Russia’s actions are blatant violations of international law, and will not be tolerated. The prime ministers discussed ways in which Canada could continue to support Ukraine in the immediate future.