The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs; the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence; the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, and the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, today issued the following statement:
"Three years ago, Russia launched an illegal and unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine, destroying hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian lives, shattering peace in Europe, threatening global stability and violating international law. Throughout these years of illegal aggression, Russia's goal has remained the same: to subjugate Ukraine. Russian forces have attempted to seize the country, erase its identity and deny its very right to exist. Against all odds, Ukrainians continue to mount a determined defence of their sovereignty that inspires the world. The spirit of Ukraine's people, their rich culture and their identity cannot be erased. Ukraine exists, Ukrainians remain resolute, and we stand firmly with them.
"Canada has supported Ukraine extensively, committing over $19.7 billion in total assistance, including $4.5 billion in military aid. Through Operation UNIFIER, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) have trained more than 44,000 members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, with over 350 CAF members currently deployed in training missions across Europe. Canada has also provided air transport throughout the conflict: the Royal Canadian Air Force delivered over 25 million pounds of military aid from Canada and other allies to Ukraine.
"Amid the devastation caused by Russia's relentless attacks, Canada has worked with our partners to reach over 16 million people with life-saving assistance, such as food, water, shelter and basic health services through humanitarian aid. Canada has continued to respond to urgent needs as they arise, while also supporting Ukraine's recovery and sustainable development.
"In addition, Canada launched the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel, temporarily welcoming nearly 300,000 Ukrainians and their family members to safety during the war. Although the program ended in July 2023, the government has introduced additional temporary measures to support Ukrainians already in Canada while also establishing a special family reunification pathway for those seeking permanent residence.
"Among the war's most heinous crimes has been Russia's systematic unlawful deportation of Ukrainian children. Since the invasion began, thousands of children have been stolen from their families and communities, forcibly transferred to occupied territories of Ukraine and to Russia. Russia has continuously and systematically removed children, concealed their identities and changed their names to prevent them from returning home. It is for this reason that Canada launched, in partnership with Ukraine, the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children: 41 member states and the Council of Europe are collaborating to ensure children can return home to their loved ones. Some 1,000 children have been reunited with their families, including approximately 600 since the coalition launched in February 2024.
"As Russia's brutal war of aggression against Ukraine continues, Canada remains steadfast in supporting Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. As G7 president finding a just and sustainable peace and an enduring security in Ukraine is at the top of our agenda. Russia must pay for the damage, destruction and loss that its unprovoked aggression has caused, which has had global repercussions on our collective security and stability. Today, tomorrow and into the future, we will stand with Ukraine."
