Saturday February 26, 2022 | NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
For the last three or four days, Ukraine has been under full open attack by Russia, and the people in most democratic countries are showing support in various ways.
Ukraine has over 30 years built itself up to become a modern western country, including a pitch in the last two years to become a member of NATO.
Russian President Vladimir Putin seems to have ‘had enough’ of a former Soviet Union territory reaching for new life as a democratic western-style nation. Over the past two years, at least, he’s been planning and then even staging military practice along three sides of the Ukranian state (north, east and south).
Leadership by Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sets an example for all democratic leaders. His amazing response to the USA about needing ammunition, “not a ride”, upon their offer to whisk him out of the war zone, has generated worldwide respect, acclaim and support for the leader. He is not running from leading his people and their right to exist.
Years in the making:
Certainly military and government intelligence in Europe and North America knew for years that an insurgence or even a combative situation was being planned.
Where anyone or any government was caught off guard, it’s because the idea of invading a democratic sovereign state by force for no other reason than territorial acquisition seemed so ludicrous, so non-21st-century.
Complacency will always be an unfaithful friend. Western democracies have enjoyed
In Ottawa:
Amidst all the other crises and dealings of government, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau this past week delivered five news conferences, one daily, Monday through Friday.
On the matter of Ukraine, surrounded by his Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of National Defence, and Foreign Affairs Minister –all of them women, Trudeau gave steadfast assurance for being on the side of Ukraine and democracy, as part of maintaining 75 years of what has generally been a peaceful world order.
On February 25, Trudeau announced sanctions against Russia. [Link to the full February 25 press conference.]
Today February 26, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued a statement on Ukraine’s Day of Resistance, noting that people are fighting to defend their homes and freedom from Russia’s further unwarranted and unprovoked invasion of their country.
“The Day of Resistance now serves as a call to action for the world to remain steadfast in its support for the Ukrainian people and their right to determine their own future.”
“Today, as President Putin attempts to illegally and unjustifiably seize Ukraine’s territory, Canada continues to be inspired by Ukraine and its people, who remain strong, resilient, and determined as they defend their country’s sovereignty,” said Trudeau in a statement released this afternoon.
“In these dark hours, Canada’s message to the people of Ukraine is this: You are not alone. We are standing with you. Our support for Ukraine, for democracy, and for human rights remains unwavering,” said Trudeau.
Yesterday the NDP called for speeding up the refugee process for Ukrainians fleeing their country, and coming to Canada.
In BC:
Yesterday Premier John Horgan opened his remarks at a mini NDP government cabinet shuffle by addressing his disdain for Russia’s aggression into Ukraine.
Later in the day, Deputy Premier Mike Farnworth (Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General) released a statement saying that BC “joins the Prime minister and allied nations in deploring Russian’s invasion of Ukraine”. Farnworth articulated that BC stands “with those who understand Europe’s peace following two world wars depends on respecting international law”.
BC is contributing $1 million to the Red Cross to support the people of Ukraine who are suffering from this illegal act of war, it was stated by Farnworth on Friday.
He noted that sanctions coordinated with the federal government would see that Russian liquor products will be removed from BC Liquor Stores and provincial liquor distribution centres.
BC Liberal leader:
Today BC Liberal Leader gave remarks during a ‘Stand with Ukraine against Russian Invasion’ anti-war rally in downtown Vancouver.
During the afternoon rally Falcon said that values the values of freedom are something “that everyone inherits in our bloodlines”.
“It’s something that the values of every generation has an obligation to defend and to fight for. Today we see those brave Ukrainians are fighting and defending those values of freedom, liberty and democracy, and I salute them on behalf of every British Columbian,” said Falcon using a megaphone in the crowd in front of the Vancouver Art Gallery.
Falcon suggested today that BC should want to go after Russian “oligarchs that own assets in British Columbia”. So far, any such list has not been publicly released.
Yesterday the BC Liberal focus was to remove Russian-import products from BC liquor store shelves.
Canadian support:
Canadians across the country are conducting peaceful demonstrations this weekend, in support of Ukrainians and freedom.
Canadians can donate online through the Canadian Red Cross, toward what is likely the most immediate way to assist Ukrainian citizens on the ground.
The Government of Canada will match all eligible donations—not exceeding $100,000—made by individual Canadians to the Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal between February 24, 2022 and March 18, 2022, up to a maximum of $10 million.
They’ve set the minimum donation at $75, but any amount is welcome.
Red Cross says the funds will enable the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement to respond to humanitarian needs generated by almost eight years of conflict, as well as preparedness and response efforts due to heightened tensions in Ukraine. The support could include preparedness, immediate and ongoing relief efforts, long-term recovery, resiliency, and other critical humanitarian activities as needs arise, both in Ukraine and surrounding countries, including supporting populations displaced.