Ukrainians in Canada Decry Trump’s Comments on Peace Prospects
TORONTO, ON — The Ukrainian-Canadian community in Canada has strongly condemned recent comments made by US President Donald Trump on the prospects of achieving peace in Ukraine, which many see as encouraging Russian aggression.
In a statement, Trump said that Ukraine and Russia are "getting along very well" and that he has "a great relationship" with Russian President Vladimir Putin. This comes as a shock to many, as Ukraine and Russia have been embroiled in a conflict in eastern Ukraine since 2014, with the ongoing conflict causing significant human suffering and economic hardship.
"It’s like he’s trying to justify Putin’s actions," said Anna Hrytsai, a Ukrainian-Canadian activist who has been working with Ukrainian refugees in Canada. "It’s like he’s saying that everything is okay just because the two countries are having a nice conversation. But we all know that’s not the case. The situation in Ukraine is a humanitarian crisis, and Trump’s words are only making it worse."
Trump’s comments were met with widespread criticism from Ukrainian-Canadian organizations, community leaders, and individuals across the country. "The quashing of the Minsk II ceasefire, the ongoing occupation of Crimea, and the war in the Donbass region are all direct consequences of Russia’s actions, not feats of international diplomacy," said Oksana Tkachuk, a Ukrainian-Canadian journalist based in Ottawa.
"This is not just a issue of internal Ukrainian politics; this is a global issue. The international community must stand strong against Russian aggression and support Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity," she added.
The Ukrainian-Canadian community is also concerned about the implications of Trump’s comments on the US’s stance on Ukraine, given the country’s significant role in the Ukrainian conflict. "The US has been a crucial partner for Ukraine in this conflict, and it’s essential that they maintain their support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity," said Mykola Panchishny, a Ukrainian-Canadian businessman based in Toronto.
"We understand that there are complex diplomatic equations at play, but we cannot turn a blind eye to the human cost of this conflict. The conflict in Ukraine is causing immense suffering, displacement, and destruction, and we must recognize that and act accordingly," Panchishny emphasized.
The community has also called on the Canadian government to maintain its strong support for Ukraine, particularly in the areas of military aid and economic assistance. "Canada has a long history of supporting Ukraine, and we encourage the government to continue doing so," said Lera Ivakin, a Ukrainian-Canadian activist based in Vancouver.
In response to Trump’s comments, the Ukrainian government has slammed the US President’s words, calling them "inadequate" and "unacceptable." According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, "This is not about us having a ‘great relationship’ or ‘getting along very well.’ This is about Russia’s attempt to disrupt Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and we will continue to defend our country’s interests."
As the situation in Ukraine continues to evolve, the Ukrainian-Canadian community will continue to rally behind their support for the Ukrainian people and the government, and demand that their governments take concrete actions to bring an end to the conflict and promote a just and lasting peace.
