I call the meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting 81 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development.
Today's meeting is taking place in a hybrid format, pursuant to the Standing Orders. Therefore, members will be attending in person in the room as well as remotely by using the Zoom application.
I would like to make a few comments for the benefit of members and witnesses.
Before speaking, please do wait until I recognize you by name.
You may speak in the official language of your choice. Interpretation services are available.
Although this room is equipped with a powerful audio system, feedback events can occur. These can be extremely harmful to interpreters and can cause injuries. The most common cause of sound feedback is an earpiece worn too close to a microphone.
With regard to a speaking list, the committee clerk and I will do our very best to maintain a consolidated order of speaking for all members, whether they are participating virtually or in person.
In accordance with the committee's routine motion concerning connection tests for witnesses, I am informed by the kind clerk that the committee has done connection tests in advance of our meeting.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motions adopted by the committee on Monday, January 31, 2022 and Tuesday, May 30, 2023, the committee resumes its study of the situation at the Russia-Ukraine border and implications for peace and security.
We are very grateful to have with us today, for the first hour, our new ambassador to Ukraine, Her Excellency Natalka Cmoc.
We're terribly sorry about the headphone challenge you had last time. We're very much looking forward to your appearance today, Madam Ambassador.
Madam Ambassador, did you want five minutes or 10 minutes for your opening remarks?