We’re now in day six of the invasion of Ukraine, and the Ukrainian people continue to hold out (as of the time of this writing). As “peace talks” carried on, the president signed a declaration that they intend to seek European Union membership, which is mostly a signal to Putin that they intend to continue being a west-looking democracy rather than an east-looking autocracy which Putin is trying to force them to be, but here we are. Canada is sending even more lethal aid, including anti-tank weapons, and airlifting these supplies to locations near the Ukrainian border. They have also asked the CRTC to review the licences of RT, given that it is a Russian propaganda outlet. Oh, and they’re banning the importation of Russian crude oil—which we haven’t imported since 2019 (though it sounds like some of the refined products may be harder to ban outright).
The people of Ukraine are today showing the incredible strength of a free people fighting for their democracy.
This is one of those times, and one of those places, where freedom confronts tyranny.
We are determined that freedom will triumph, and it will. pic.twitter.com/bcT5PaKfgH
— Chrystia Freeland (@cafreeland) March 1, 2022
Here's Canada announcing the ban of Russian *crude* oil imports. I suspect looking for "additional petroleum products" is them trying to figure out if they can identify/remove the Russian mix in the refined mix that comes from the U.S. (If anyone smart has thoughts, @ me) pic.twitter.com/9uEuXrGyQP
— Justin Ling (Has Left) (@Justin_Ling) March 1, 2022
Here is a look at how Poland is taking in Ukrainian refugees. Here is a look at the Friends of Ukraine Defence Forces Fund, which is collecting donations to help equip Ukrainian soldiers, and has been since the annexation of Crimea. Here is a rundown of the various Russian oligarchs being targeted by sanctions. For Canadians who want to go to Ukraine to help with the fight, it sounds like the federal government won’t stop you, calling it an “individual decision.”
Take 10 minutes to watch Canada's @UN ambassador @BobRae48 give one of the great speeches the General Assembly has ever heard. https://t.co/LSePuxwBuL #Ukraine #Russia #RussiaUkraine #russianinvasion #UkraineWar #UkraineRussia #UkraineInvasion #WARINUKRAINE
— Steve Paikin (@spaikin) February 28, 2022
Good reads:
- The House of Commons held a take-note debate on the situation in Ukraine last night, for what that collection of prepared speeches is worth.
- Jean Charest will be in Ottawa this week to meet with Conservative MPs, fuelling the speculation about his potential leadership bid.
- Doug Ford is getting ready to drop all mask mandates in Ontario but wants people to still “be cautious” (because that’s always worked), and I can’t even.
- Matt Gurney reflects on the role social media is playing in the war in Ukraine, and worries about how the tide will change once Russia starts really shelling cities.
- Colby Cosh marvels at the realignment happening in Europe as a result of the invasion of Ukraine, which has happened faster than anyone anticipated.
Odds and ends:
My Loonie Politics Quick Take breaks down the pissing match between the Liberals and Conservatives on the Emergencies Act review committee.
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