Ukrainians today are once again engaged in a fight against Russian aggression for their right to live as a democratic nation. At Euromaidan and in the current anti-terrorist operation in the east of the country, they have amply demonstrated that they are also ready to die for the very principles upon which our Western civilization rests.
The tragic loss of Flight MH17 only underscores the fact that Ukraine’s fight is also the fight of every nation that values these principles.
The unfortunate hesitancy, and indeed failure thus far, of some of the countries of the European Union to adequately respond to Moscow’s rogue and predatory behavior has compromised their own European principles. This can be attributed to the amoral political and business culture that currently prevails in their midst. Due to the urgency of the situation, such hesitancy is understandably frustrating for Ukraine and Ukrainians everywhere.
Hence, the principled position in support of Ukraine and the global leadership role regarding this matter taken by the Canadian government, particularly by Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Minister John Baird and other members of the Cabinet, and members of Parliament James Bezan, Ted Opitz, Erin O’Toole, and their colleagues, is truly appreciated by Ukrainian Canadians and, indeed, by the people of Ukraine, who feel a deep and special kinship with Canada. Since only tangible political and economic pressure on Moscow, and military assistance to Ukraine, can force the Kremlin under Putin’s “effective management” to stand-down, our Government’s initiative in these areas continues to be of vital importance.
Last but not least, we firmly believe that Ukraine’s democratic future and international security (and by extension, Canada’s own) must always remain a non-partisan issue in party politics. Therefore, we heartily welcome and commend the Parliament of Canada for taking a united stand in supporting Ukraine in its hour of need.
