Canada and France: "Ukraine Should Decide How to Protect Itself and Its People"

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Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his French counterpart Gabriel Attal have expressed their countries’ condemnation of Russia’s aggressive actions against Ukraine.

According to a recent statement, both leaders reaffirmed that they remain “firmly committed” to Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, including its maritime territories.

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Ongoing Support and Solidarity

The prime ministers pledged to continue providing financial, humanitarian, military, and diplomatic support to Ukraine for as long as needed.

“We believe that it is Ukraine that should decide how to protect itself and its people. Canada and France will continue their support at the bilateral level and through all international organizations of which they are members,” the statement read, as reported by European Truth.

This commitment was made during a time of continued international focus on Ukraine, with both Ottawa and Paris promising to keep up their efforts within the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children.

Long-Term Commitments

Both leaders reaffirmed their long-term commitment to Ukraine as part of the G7 Joint Declaration in Support of Ukraine and through recent bilateral agreements established in 2024.

They stressed the importance of helping with Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction efforts, responding to urgent humanitarian needs, and supporting necessary reforms and anti-corruption measures.

Beyond government aid, Trudeau and Attal addressed the importance of boosting trade investments and encouraging private sector involvement in Ukraine to help the country recover and grow economically.

International Perspectives on Ukraine’s Defense Actions

The statements from Canada and France align with recent international comments about Ukraine’s right to defend itself.

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna voiced support for Ukraine’s attacks on Russian oil refineries if they reduce Russian war revenues.

Latvian President Edgars Rinkevichs and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg also affirmed Ukraine’s right to target legitimate military objectives, even outside its borders.

Conversely, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has expressed doubts about the strategic impact of strikes on Russian oil facilities.

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