Canada and the EU Vow to Intensify Sanctions Against Russia in Joint Statement
Canada and the European Union have pledged to escalate pressure on Russia, including through tougher sanctions and measures to block their circumvention, as part of their ongoing response to Russia’s full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine.
The commitment was made during a joint statement on Sunday, June 23 that marked a deepened strategic partnership between the EU and Canada, The Gaze reports.
“We reaffirm our resolute condemnation of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, which constitutes a manifest violation of the UN Charter and international law,” the statement declared.
Leaders from both sides underscored their “unshakeable” support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.
“Our commitment to ensuring a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine that respects Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders is unshakeable,” the joint communiqué reads.
The partners emphasized their readiness to sustain “political, financial, economic, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support to Ukraine and its people for as long as it takes and as intensely as needed,” while acknowledging the security and defence policies of EU member states.
“We support the conclusion of a just and lasting peace agreement, in full compliance with the principles of the UN Charter and international law, and join the call for a full, unconditional ceasefire of at least 30 days, which Ukraine has unilaterally committed to.”
Canada and the EU also reiterated their call for the return of all unlawfully deported and transferred Ukrainian children.
“We will continue to support the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children co-chaired by Ukraine and Canada, and we reiterate our urgent call on Russia and Belarus to immediately ensure the safe return of all unlawfully deported and transferred Ukrainian children.”
Military assistance will continue through joint initiatives like EUMAM Ukraine and Operation UNIFIER, with both sides committed to helping rebuild Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
A key focus of the summit was the pursuit of accountability for crimes committed during the war.
“We are committed to ensuring full accountability for war crimes and other serious crimes committed in connection with Russia’s war of aggression, including by the establishment of a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine.”
On reconstruction, the partners pledged to support Ukraine’s recovery through the Ukraine Donor Platform and coordination on the ground.
Read more on The Gaze: Canada Pledges $1.48 Billion in Military Aid to Ukraine, Rolls Out Largest-Ever Sanctions Package Against Russia