LEAGUE OF UKRAINIAN CANADIANS: STAND FOR UKRAINE ACT
September 23, 2016
The National Executive of the League of Ukrainian Canadians welcomes the unanimous passing of the H.R. 5094 “Stability and Democracy for Ukraine Act” by the U.S. House of Representatives on September 21, 2016. The legislation demonstrates the deep understanding and strong commitment on behalf of the United States to address Russia’s military aggression in Ukraine and a threat of a larger military conflict in Eastern Europe.
The bill also prohibits the United States from recognizing the Russian Federation’s illegal annexation of Crimea and provides for the maintenance of U.S. sanctions with specific reference to Russia’s occupation of Ukraine’s Crimean peninsula.
It also states that it is the policy of the United States to further assist the Government of Ukraine in restoring its sovereignty and territorial integrity to contain, reverse, and deter Russian aggression in Ukraine and that that policy shall be carried into effect, among other things, through a comprehensive effort, in coordination with allies and partners of the United States, that includes sanctions, diplomacy, and assistance, including lethal defensive weapons systems.
Another important provision of the “STAND for Ukraine Act” directs the Secretary of State to develop and implement a strategy to respond to Russian disinformation and propaganda efforts aimed toward persons in countries bordering the Russian Federation.
Given Russia’s continuous breach of the ceasefire regime, which leads to the killing of Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel on a daily basis, the League of Ukrainian Canadians calls on the Government of Canada to introduce and pass in the House of Commons a similar Bill in support of Ukraine’s fight for its territorial integrity and sovereignty.
Ukrainian Armed Forces and the Government of Ukraine need a tangible reassurance of support from Western governments. Since the ousting of President Yanukovych and the election of a new President and Parliament, Ukraine has made considerable progress in implementing reforms related to its judicial system, energy sector, and public procurement among others. The Government of Ukraine is focused on eliminating corruption, attracting foreign direct investment, and increasing social standards. At the same time, Ukraine is de facto in a state of war with Russian regular troops and proxies.
Ukraine has already paid a high price for its Euro-Atlantic aspirations and independence from Russian domination. With over 10,000 dead and more than 30,000 wounded, Ukraine is living proof that returning to “business as usual” with Russia is totally unacceptable.
