LEAGUE OF UKRAINIAN CANADIANS
October 16, 2026 | Toronto, Canada
The League of Ukrainian Canadians (LUC) condemns the Trump administration’s recent actions that have eased economic pressure on Russia while weakening Ukraine’s ability to defend itself. Ukraine now braces for another winter of relentless Russian attacks, while Washington has authorized Russian diesel transactions, reportedly threatened to suspend European-funded weapons deliveries and intelligence sharing, and been linked to restrictions on Starshield satellite communications that have disrupted Ukrainian air defence and drone operations.
On October 16, President Trump announced tariffs of 500 percent on Russian goods and 100 percent on goods from major purchasers of Russian energy, only to immediately waive their application under the Graham Act. Rather than implementing these additional penalties, Washington suspended them in the name of American national interests. Russia escapes the new sanctions while Ukraine continues fighting for its survival.
President Trump has blamed Ukraine for soaring American diesel prices, despite the far greater impact of the conflict with Iran and disruptions to global energy supplies. He has repeatedly exaggerated American assistance, falsely claiming that the United States provided Ukraine with $350 billion and supplied Tomahawk cruise missiles. No American Tomahawks have been delivered to Ukraine.
On October 11, Trump announced an energy ceasefire that neither Russia nor Ukraine had agreed to. His own administration acknowledged that Moscow was still considering the proposal. Russian forces continued attacking Ukrainian energy infrastructure, yet Washington condemned Kyiv for resuming strikes against Russian refineries. Ukraine cannot violate an agreement it never made.
These developments come as the same administration continues to threaten Canada’s sovereignty and economic interests through punitive tariffs, political pressure, and repeated suggestions that Canada should become America’s 51st state. Although Canada and Ukraine face profoundly different circumstances, both understand the importance of resisting external coercion and defending their right to determine their own future.
Ukraine faces one of its darkest hours since Russia’s full-scale invasion. Vladimir Putin’s campaign of conquest recalls the aggression of Adolf Hitler and the disastrous Munich Agreement of 1938, when Czechoslovakia was forced to surrender its territory in the vain hope of preserving peace.
Far from restraining Hitler, appeasement emboldened him and helped pave the way for the Second World War. Eight decades later, the lesson remains clear: surrendering to aggression does not bring peace. It invites further aggression.
LUC applauds Prime Minister Mark Carney and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for their recent agreements strengthening Canada–Ukraine defence cooperation, including C$350 million for air-defence interceptors, expanded joint drone production, support for Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, and the declaration of a 100-year partnership. These commitments strengthen Ukraine’s resistance while building Canada’s own defence capabilities.
We call upon the Government of Canada to build on these agreements with substantially increased military assistance, accelerated deliveries of air-defence interceptors and ammunition, expanded joint defence production, and urgent support for Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Canada must work with European partners to safeguard Ukraine’s access to satellite communications and intelligence, strengthen sanctions against Russia, and oppose any settlement that rewards territorial conquest.
We acknowledge the substantial assistance provided by the American people and welcome the bipartisan lawmakers who continue to support Ukraine and oppose concessions to Moscow. Our criticism is directed at the present administration’s policies, not at Americans who remain committed to Ukrainian freedom.
For generations, the League of Ukrainian Canadians has defended Ukraine’s independence. Russia invaded Ukraine and continues its campaign of destruction. Ukraine has every right to defend itself, and Canada must continue to stand firmly with Ukraine, regardless of pressure from Washington or Moscow.
Slava Ukraini! Heroyam Slava!
League of Ukrainian Canadians National Executive
