Canada and the Russian invasion of Ukraine

Political situation

In 2014, Russia violated Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity by illegally occupying Crimea and Sevastopol. Since then, Russia has 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..

In the year following the full-scale invasion, Russia has committed atrocities against Ukrainians, and continues to attack civilian targets, violating its so-called commitment to upholding the principles of the UN Charter.

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

Canada is steadfast in its commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence. Alongside our international partners and allies, we unequivocally condemn Russia’s illegal and egregious actions.

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 1.4 million people.

Since 2022, Canada has provided Ukraine with more than $5 billion in multifaceted assistance, including financial, humanitarian, development military and peace and stabilization aid.

Canada is represented in Ukraine by the Embassy of Canada to Ukraine in Kyiv and the Consulate of Canada in Lviv. Ukraine is represented in Canada by an embassy in Ottawa, consulates general in Toronto and Edmonton and an honorary consulate in Vancouver.

Related links

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