Canada and the Russian invasion of Ukraine

Political situation

In 2014, Russia violated Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity by illegally occupying Crimea and parts of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts. Leading up to 2022, Russia continued its aggressive actions and attempts to destabilize Ukraine through disinformation campaigns, malicious hybrid and cyber operations, and military build-ups in and around Ukraine.

On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Since then, Russia has continued to wage a war of aggression, and has committed atrocities against Ukrainians. Russia continues to attack civilian targets in Ukraine, and violate the principles of the United Nations (UN) Charter. Alongside our international partners and Allies, we unequivocally condemn Russia’s illegal and egregious actions.

Russia’s unprovoked and unjustifiable aggression against Ukraine violates international law, jeopardizes stability in the region and puts countless innocent lives at risk. It also threatens the values and principles that underpin the rules-based international system, including every state’s right to sovereignty and self-determination.

Canada is steadfast in its commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, independence, and its efforts toward a just and sustainable peace.

Canada-Ukraine bilateral relations

On December 2, 1991, Canada became the first Western country to recognize Ukraine’s independence. Since then, Canada and Ukraine have enjoyed a close bilateral relationship that spans cooperation on security and defence, trade, and advancing Ukraine’s democratic and economic reform efforts. Our bilateral relationship is strengthened by warm people-to-people ties, and an active Ukrainian-Canadian community of over 1.3 million people.

Since 2022, Canada has committed more than $19 billion in multifaceted assistance to Ukraine, including financial, military, development, humanitarian and peace and stabilization assistance.

Canada is represented in Ukraine by the Embassy of Canada to Ukraine in Kyiv. Ukraine is represented in Canada by an embassy in Ottawa and consulates general in Toronto and Edmonton.

Related links

• Canada’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine
• Canada-Ukraine relations
• About consular services
• Large-scale emergencies outside Canada