Trudeau outlines more measures to punish Putin for ‘grave miscalculation’ over Ukraine

Calling Russian President Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine a “grave miscalculation,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau outlined on Monday how Canada is helping the defence effort in Ukraine while punishing Russia financially for its blatant transgressions.

As of Monday morning, Trudeau said all Canadian financial institutions are barred from any transactions with the Russian Central bank.

“And we are prohibiting any direct or indirect dealings in Russian sovereign debt,” he added.

Trudeau also said Canada will move to ban all imports of crude oil from Russia.

“While Canada has imported very little amounts in recent years, this measure sends a powerful message,” he explained.

After sending supplies of body armour and night vision gear to the Ukrainian military on Sunday, Trudeau said more equipment, including anti-tank weapon systems and upgraded ammunition, were being shipped on Monday.

“The whole world is inspired by the strength and intensity of their resistance,” he said of the Ukrainian army’s stalwart defence of its homeland.

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Despite that support, Trudeau stressed Canada is not involved in a combat mission in Ukraine.

“It is clear that we are not going to be sending troops into Ukraine,” he said.

When asked what could prompt Canadian military involvement, Trudeau replied, “That decision is one to be made by our allies together. NATO is a defensive alliance … any decision to shift NATO’s posture needs to be taken by NATO leadership itself.”

The Canadian Armed Forces will also be supplying airlift support to transport supplies and aid and to contribute to other NATO efforts, Trudeau said.

Another measure of support will see the federal government fast-track immigration applications for Ukrainians who want to come to Canada.

Immigration Minister Sean Fraser said nearly 4,000 Ukrainians have already been approved to immigrate to Canada since the conflict began.

“President Putin has created a refugee crisis,” Trudeau said.

“We said we would be there for the people of Ukraine and that includes making sure they can find safety here in Canada.

“It is increasingly clear that President Putin has made a grave miscalculation,” Trudeau said of the invasion, citing that the Russian Rouble has plunged to record lows while the Russian stock market has been forced to close.