Prime Minister Stephen Harper WRAPS-UP Third SUCCESSFUL Visit TO UKRAINE

June 6, 2015                                         Kyiv, Ukraine                        Prime Minister’s Office 

Introduction 

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today concluded his third successful visit to Ukraine. During the visit, the Prime Minister met with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko and Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk, and reaffirmed that Canada would continue to stand with Ukraine against Russian aggression and support Ukraine’s economic and democratic reforms.

The leaders agreed that the Putin regime’s ongoing aggression must be met with firm resolve, including the application of economic sanctions. They also agreed that Russia and Ukraine must fulfill their obligations under the Minsk agreements. In addition, the leaders discussed the need for Ukraine to continue undertaking its ambitious reforms as well as the desire to conclude the Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement in the near future. To this end, Prime Minister Harper announced that Canadian negotiators will return to Ukraine on June 15^th with the aim of concluding negotiations as soon as possible.

While in Kyiv, Prime Minister Harper visited the Police Academy of the Ministry of Interior and announced new projects to advance democracy and help reform the country’s security sector. Under these initiatives, Canada will help the country build a new civilian patrol police force through activities focused on community policing, in-service training, public outreach and engagement, and providing the new force members with uniforms and equipment.  Canada will also deploy up to ten Canadian police officers to train this new police force as well as provide strategic guidance to other security institutions. 

Quick Facts 

• Since the onset of the crisis in Ukraine, Canada has imposed sanctions against more than 270 Russian and Ukrainian individuals and entities, contributed hundreds of observers to support free, fair and democratic elections, provided support in low-interest bilateral loans to Ukraine, and announced funding for bilateral development assistance projects to support Ukraine in undertaking the economic and governance reforms necessary to ensure its long-term prosperity, stability and security.
• Canada will also be deploying approximately 200 Canadian Armed Forces personnel to Ukraine to develop and deliver military training and capacity-building programs for Ukrainian forces personnel, as well as up to ten Canadian police officers to provide training and advice to Ukrainian police and other security institutions.
• In response to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, Canada has imposed a broad range of sanctions against more than 270 Russian and Ukrainian individuals and entities. These sanctions are imposed in coordination with other allies and partners, and are affecting the Russian economy.

Quotes 

“Canada strongly condemns Russia’s aggressive actions in Eastern Ukraine and its illegal annexation of Crimea, and will continue to stand with the people of Ukraine in the face of the ongoing violation of the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. I am glad to have had the opportunity to speak with President Poroshenko ahead of the G-7 Summit. Our exchanges will help inform discussions among leaders in Germany so that together we can take appropriate action against the Putin regime.” – Prime Minister Stephen Harper

“I was pleased to announce new bilateral initiatives with Ukraine today which will enhance policing in the country, helping local authorities promote safety and security.” – Prime Minister Stephen Harper 

Related Product 

• Additional Canadian Support to Strengthen Security in Ukraine

Associated Link 

• The Government of Canada’s Response to the Situation in Ukraine