Dear committee members, thank you for giving me the opportunity to give you an update on the situation in Ukraine from Kyiv. I arrived in mid-August and saw first-hand the determination of the Ukrainian people to oppose Russia’s brutal war of aggression.
I was posted here at a time when the country was still divided. That is not what I see today. On the contrary, the country is more united than ever. Clearly, Ukrainians have entered a post-colonial period where they want a clear separation from Russia. They also want reconciliation and recognition of past Soviet misdeeds, such as the Holodomor and forced Russification. They want to be modern and European, preserve their democratic society and media freedom, and work toward a more equitable society.
Make no mistake: Russia is threatened by this. This is a war against Ukrainian identity.
Russia purposely targets civilians. Just one month ago, Russia killed 59 civilians in one strike on the little village of Hroza, which has a total population of only 330 people.
Russia steals people. An estimated 1.6 million have been forcibly displaced to Russia. Almost 20,000 of these are children.
This is a war with global impact, as Russia weaponizes food and winter. Ukraine is bracing for an even more challenging winter as Russia is yet again targeting critical energy infrastructure, while damage from last year has not been fully rebuilt. Since February 2020, Russia has stolen six million tonnes of Ukrainian wheat, worth $1 billion U.S., and sold it themselves. It destroyed 280,000 tonnes of grain and 27 ports, and actively blockades Ukrainian ships.
Ukraine's counteroffensive grinds on at a huge cost of life. Notwithstanding recent gains in the east and south, there's a growing realization that it will be a longer war than hoped. Ukrainians have full confidence that with President Zelenskyy's leadership, they can win, but they need military support. In particular, they need air defence and ammunition.
Ultimately, this is a test of resolve. Ukraine's top priority is winning this war, both on the battlefield and in countering disinformation. This is why Ukraine deeply appreciates Canada being among the first countries to launch negotiations for long-term security commitments, including multi-year funding.
It is estimated that at least $420 billion will be needed to repair the damage caused by the war, and we are being asked to find creative ways to use Russian assets seized and frozen. This is an opportunity for Canada to create joint ventures with Ukrainian and other partners to rebuild the country, which will benefit Ukraine, Canada and other countries in the fields of food production, information technology and energy.
I'll close with an issue close to all Canadians.
Russia's deliberate policies to erase the identity of Crimean Tatars as an indigenous people of Ukraine is particularly appalling. Russia denies their status as an indigenous autonomous nation and reduces them to a minority. Since 2014, approximately 200 of the 300 political prisoners in Crimea have been Crimean Tatars.
Russia's conscription has focused on minority populations in Russia and occupied territories, including Crimea. At a time when Canada is pursuing truth and reconciliation domestically, it is important that Canada stand up for the protection of indigenous peoples around the world.
The longer this war drags on, the higher the cost to the world. Ukraine is resolved to defeat Russia and not settle. They are seeking full restoration of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. They want the return of political prisoners of war and the taken children, and are demanding that the world help achieve accountability for Russia's crimes.
Rest assured that the Canadian embassy team is now fully operational, is standing up to the challenge and will continue to stand alongside Ukrainians.
Thank you.
