Chants of “CA-NA-DA” at rallies. The Maple Leaf waving at protest camps. A Canadian labeled “godfather” of its military. Canada has long had significant influence in Ukraine, which it has used to drive a centuries old bid to weaken Russia. In “Winter on Fire: Ukraine’s Fight for Freedom” the camera pans over a Maple Leaf... Continue Reading →
Canada’s history of promoting anti-Russian Ukrainian nationalism
Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine is a flagrant violation of international law. It has led to thousands of deaths, millions of refugees and tens of billions of dollars in damage. Troublingly, the situation could get worse if the escalatory politics sweeping Canada is any indication. A month ago, Ottawa was unwilling to send lethal weapons... Continue Reading →
Remembering Canada’s role in Ukraine’s ‘blatant coup’
Ottawa’s hostility to Ukrainian democracy is a largely ignored element in the tragedy unfolding in that country. While not excusing Russia’s criminal invasion, Canada’s multi-year campaign to subvert an elected government was an important factor in producing the conditions that led to where we are today. As I previously detailed, the Canadian government encouraged the... Continue Reading →
Condemn the invasion, but retain your critical faculties
Moscow’s bombing and invasion of Ukraine must be condemned by all those who believe in a rules-based international order and peaceful solutions to world problems. Hopefully Russian internationalists can come together to create a peace movement powerful enough to pressure their government. While criticizing Russian imperialism, however, we shouldn’t lose sight of Canada’s significant role... Continue Reading →
Truth always the first casualty of war — CBC proves it
Normally it’s difficult to assess whether a reporter is ignorant, lazy or self-consciously serving power. But when a journalist produces multiple one-sided pieces on a subject while ignoring context he’s previously reported, it’s pretty clear. Since Washington/London/Ottawa instigated a wave of anti-Russia hysteria in December senior CBC military writer Murray Brewster has published a slew... Continue Reading →
Progressives ignore Canadian support for Ukraine’s right-wing policies
An important union and progressive principle is to wish for others what we want for ourselves. Except, it seems, in international affairs. In the Ukraine, Canadian unions, language rights organizations and anti-racist groups have been indifferent to Ottawa promoting policies they’d consider anathema at home. In my 2018 book Left, Right: Marching to the Beat... Continue Reading →
Claims of Russian interference in Ukraine reek of hypocrisy
The Russians are up to no good and we must prepare to protect Ukraine. Moscow interferes in US and Canadian elections. That’s what Washington, Ottawa and their media sycophants claim. But is this just another case of accusing others of doing the things you do? An age-old propaganda technique designed to deflect attention away from... Continue Reading →
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