Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development

Comité permanent des affaires étrangères et du développement international

For immediate release

Ottawa, March 4, 2024 -

It has been over two years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This unjustifiable war, which Russia unleashed without provocation and in blatant violation of international law, has caused the deaths of thousands, the dislocation of millions, and the destruction of Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure and natural environment. But the roots of this aggression can be traced back at least 10 years. It was in 2014 that Russia first occupied and purported to annex part of Ukraine’s internationally recognized territory – Crimea – and then fomented conflict in its eastern regions.

At the outset of this full-fledged war, it was made clear to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development that Russia’s ambitions are “imperial” in nature, and that President Putin is “fighting a war to destroy the Ukrainian state.” This truth has been laid bare through Russia’s tactics, from its initial concentration of forces at its border - for what Russia thought would be a rapid push toward Ukraine’s center of government, in Kyiv - to its subsequent attacks, with waves of missiles and drones, particularly against the Ukrainian cities it has failed to conquer. To move the frontline, Russian forces have laid siege to civilians and reduced entire communities, like Bakhmut and Avdiivka, to rubble. In the process, Russia has willingly thrown its forces into “meat grinders” of its own creation. These staggering losses are seemingly tolerated by the Russian state because they are borne by the Russian people and not its elite – the war’s architects. Whether it is regular citizens, or public figures like Vladimir Kara-Murza or Aleksey Navalny - who sacrified his life defying the Kremlin's repression and corruption - anyone who speaks out is arrested or silenced.

Despite being relentlessly assaulted by one of the world’s major military powers, Ukraine has demonstrated the strength of its statehood and the vitality of its nationhood through its self-defence. Some 50% of the territory Russian forces seized after 24 February 2022 has been liberated, the once vaunted Russian fleet has been significantly diminished in the Black Sea, and Ukraine remains a sovereign and independent state whose future is firmly in Europe.

There can be no “fatigue” in the face of such aggression. Russia’s only strategy is to outlast the support that Ukraine receives from its partners. As such, absolute resolve is the only possible response.

Commitments to Ukraine’s long-term security, NATO membership, and economic viability are essential, but they will matter only if the material aid that Ukraine needs now – to continue its fight – is delivered, and without delay.

Furthermore, sanctions on Russia must be strengthened, and sanctioned Russian assets must be seized and used for the reconstruction of Ukraine. All efforts must be made to ensure the safe return of Ukrainian children who have been forcibly deported to Russia, and all those responsible for violations of international law must be held accountable.