January 22, 2015 - Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today issued the following statement:
“Canada is appalled by Russia’s reprehensible actions aimed at deepening the crisis in eastern Ukraine.
“Russia continues to ignore its responsibilities outlined in the Minsk agreements. Instead of working to implement its commitments under these agreements, Russia has stepped up its supply of material support, including heavy weaponry, to its proxy fighters in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, while continuing to send its own armed forces across the Ukrainian border. Canada condemns these acts in no uncertain terms.
“This recent escalation of hostilities has resulted in a mounting civilian death toll, a relentless and deadly assault against the Donetsk airport and the destruction of key civilian infrastructure and has exacerbated an already dire humanitarian crisis in eastern Ukraine. I expressed my condolences directly to the Ukrainian foreign minister today.
“Canada demands Russia immediately and fully abide by its commitments made under the Minsk agreements.
“Today, at the World Economic Forum, I met with allies and partners in the region to discuss the situation. We will continue to work hand-in-hand to isolate Russia politically and economically if they choose to continue down this dangerous path.”
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