To: vovkas email

c.c. julian.fantino@parl.gc.ca


Dear Mr.vovka

Your Member of Parliament the Honourable Julian Fantino has forwarded to me a copy of your email of March 1, 2014, concerning the situation in Ukraine. I have taken note of your views. I regret the delay in replying to you.

Canada was extremely disturbed by the erosion of democracy, the rule of law and human rights in Ukraine under the former Yanukovych government. Canada is also very concerned about the ongoing crisis in that country. Prime Minister Stephen Harper and I have strongly condemned the actions taken by the former Yanukovych government and the Russian Federation. We have repeatedly called on Russia to withdraw its forces and immediately de‑escalate the situation. Canada has also called on both Ukraine and Russia to comply with their commitments under the Geneva Statement on Ukraine of April 17, 2014. To date, Russia has failed to take concrete actions in support of the Geneva Statement.

With regard to Crimea specifically, on March 27, 2014, Canada joined other G7 leaders in issuing The Hague Declaration, which states: “International law prohibits the acquisition of part or all of another state’s territory through coercion or force. To do so violates the principles upon which the international system is built. We condemn the illegal referendum held in Crimea in violation of Ukraine’s constitution. We also strongly condemn Russia’s illegal attempt to annex Crimea in contravention of international law and specific international obligations. We do not recognize either.” In response to Russia’s actions and since Russia did not change its course, G7 leaders cancelled their participation to the G8 Sochi Summit, which was to be held in Russia in June 2014.

Canada has taken several measures in support of Ukraine, including imposing sanctions on those responsible for the ongoing crisis. It has also taken steps to assist the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) planning efforts and enhance security and stability in Central and Eastern Europe. Canada remains ready to intensify its actions if a peaceful resolution is not reached. You may find more details about Canadian actions at http://www.international.gc.ca/international/support-ukraine-soutien.aspx?lang=eng.

Prime Minister Harper and I recently visited Ukraine and met with the new Government to underline Canada’s support.

Following the Ukrainian presidential elections on May 25, 2014, Prime Minister Harper congratulated Petro Poroshenko on being elected President of Ukraine in a first‑round victory. Despite attempts by outsiders to disrupt these elections, independent election observer missions indicated that the elections were a clear and unambiguous reflection of the democratic will of the Ukrainian people. Canada is proud to have sent upwards of 350 Canadian observers to monitor and report on the elections. Canada will continue to work with the Government of Ukraine and Ukrainian civil society to help restore the country’s economic and political stability.

Canada continues to view the situation in Ukraine with the gravest concern and remains committed to a political and diplomatic solution to the conflict, based on the Geneva Statement. As the situation evolves, Canada will also continue to cooperate closely with its G7 partners, NATO allies and other like‑minded countries. I have taken the liberty of including a link to a list of all of Canada’s actions to date on the situation in Ukraine: http://www.international.gc.ca/international/ukraine.aspx?lang=eng.

Thank you for taking the time to write.

Sincerely,





John Baird, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Foreign Affairs