Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has expressed his confidence in Canadians’ intelligence and critical thinking skills, saying that they will not be swayed by the false and misleading claims made by Russian President Vladimir Putin about the war in Ukraine.
Putin’s propaganda campaign
Putin has been waging a propaganda campaign to justify his invasion of Ukraine, which began in late 2023 and has escalated in recent weeks. He has accused Ukraine of being a “Nazi state” and claimed that he is defending the rights of ethnic Russians in the country.
He has also tried to undermine the credibility and legitimacy of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who has been leading the resistance against Russia’s aggression. Putin has mocked Zelenskyy for joining a standing ovation for a veteran of a Second World War Nazi unit during his visit to Canada in September 2023.
Putin made these and other outrageous statements in an interview with U.S. media personality Tucker Carlson, which was posted on the social media platform X on Feb. 8. The interview was widely criticized as a platform for Putin to spread his lies and propaganda to the American and international audience.
Trudeau’s response
Trudeau was asked about Putin’s interview during a press conference on Feb. 9. He said that he believes Canadians are too smart to fall for Putin’s propaganda, and that they understand the real situation in Ukraine.
“Putin chose to invade a neighbouring sovereign country, violating the rights, the sovereignty, the territorial integrity of Ukraine and violating the rules-based order that underpins the safety, the security of all of us living in free democracies around the world,” Trudeau said.
“He will, of course, use whatever propaganda he can engage in, but I can tell you Canadians will not be fooled,” he added.
Trudeau said that Canada supports Ukraine not only because of the historical and cultural ties between the two countries, but also because of the shared values and principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
He said that Canada will continue to stand with Ukraine and its allies, and to provide diplomatic, military, and humanitarian assistance to the country.
He also called on Putin to respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and to engage in a peaceful and constructive dialogue to resolve the conflict.
Impact on Canadians
The war in Ukraine has been a source of concern and solidarity for many Canadians, especially those of Ukrainian descent. Canada is home to more than 1.3 million people of Ukrainian origin, the third-largest Ukrainian diaspora in the world.
Many Canadians have expressed their support for Ukraine and their condemnation of Russia’s actions, through rallies, petitions, donations, and other forms of activism.
Some Canadians have also volunteered to join the Ukrainian armed forces or to provide medical and humanitarian aid to the country.
However, some Canadians may also be exposed to the influence of Russian propaganda, either through social media, online platforms, or other sources. Some experts have warned that Russia is trying to sow division and confusion among Canadians, and to undermine their trust in their government and institutions.
Therefore, it is important for Canadians to be vigilant and informed, and to seek reliable and credible sources of information on the war in Ukraine.