Belgium, (Brussels Morning Newspaper) EC President Ursula von der Leyen and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau have jointly condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin’s “unjustifiable and unprovoked” invasion, declaring that they “stand unwavering” in their support of Ukraine’s “democracy, sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
In a joint statement, Von der Leyen and Trudeau stressed their determination to defend “shared values and the rules-based international system”, citing inclusion, gender equality and “protection of fundamental freedoms.”
The two leaders called on Russia to end its aggression and withdraw, and urged Belarus to stop supporting the war in Ukraine.
“We abhor Russia’s grave violations of international human rights and humanitarian law, and will support all war crimes investigations in this regard”, they added, while urging Moscow to allow safe passage for civilians and humanitarian aid.
The EU has opened its doors to millions of Ukrainian refugees and provided them with necessities including shelter, food and access to education, healthcare and the labour market.
The Canadian aid package for Ukrainians includes the Canada-Ukraine authorisation for emergency travel (CUAET).
Both the EC and Canada “will continue to coordinate further support for those who have been forced to flee Ukraine, as well as the assistance to Ukraine’s neighbours most affected”, von der Leyen and Trudeau declared.
Sanctions hurt Russian people
They noted that the EU and Canada had imposed sanctions against Russia over the war, a move that was closely coordinated. The cited how Russia was paying a “severe economic price for its heinous attacks, to the detriment of its people and their future.”
They also announced plans for additional sanctions to target Russia’s its economy and measures designed to make sanctions evasion more difficult.
Turning to the energy crisis, they agreed “that carbon pricing is an efficient, cost-effective and powerful tool to reduce emissions”, and said they would continue to push for global carbon pricing coverage.
Von der Leyen and Trudeau committed to step up efforts at “countering disinformation” and to continue cooperating with likeminded partners.
