The loan comes as Russia has sent over 100,000 troops to Ukranian borders, encroaching from three directions. In a press conference on Monday, White House principal deputy press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters that the loan guarantee is “something we are considering as part of the additional macro-economic support we are exploring to help Ukraine’s economy in this pressure resulting from Russia’s military build-up”. The United States is considering an offer of $1bn in credit guarantees to Ukraine to help it endure fallout caused by ongoing threats from Russia, the White House said on Monday. Photograph: Russian Defence Ministry/ZUMA Press Wire Service/REX/Shutterstock Russia has sent more than 100,000 troops to Ukrainian borders, encroaching from three directions. Some 200 Canadian soldiers have been deployed in Ukraine since 2015 as part of the UNIFIER mission, aimed at contributing to the training of Ukrainian forces. In addition, the prime minister said Ottawa would provide more loans to Ukraine, bringing the total announced since the beginning of the year to Can$620 million (US$490 million).Ĭanada, which is home to a large Ukrainian diaspora, has ordered its military trainers out of Ukraine and closed its embassy in Kyiv temporarily. Trudeau followed up the conference by tweeting that Canada would continue to support Ukraine “in the face of persistent Russian aggression”. This responds to Ukraine’s specific request, and is in addition to the non-lethal equipment we’ve already provided,” he said, adding that “the intent of this support from Canada and other partners is to deter further Russian aggression.” In light of the seriousness of the situation and following conversations with our Ukrainian partners, I’ve approved the provision of Can$7.8 million worth of lethal equipment and ammunition. Prime minister Justin Trudeau made the announcement during a press briefing on Monday, Reuters reports: Let’s start with the recent announcement that Canada has said it will send lethal military weaponry to Ukraine with a promise to loan Kyiv $500m to help defend itself in the face of “Russian aggression”. Hello it’s Samantha Lock joining you on the blog as my colleague Kari Paul signs off. Given the heightened volatility of the situation, US citizens are strongly advised against traveling to Belarus. Potential harassment targeted specifically at foreigners is also possible, the advisory warned. On 12 February, the US ordered the departure of most employees at its embassy in Kyiv due to the continued threat of Russian military action. However, due to an “increase in unusual and concerning Russian military activity near the border with Ukraine, US citizens located in or considering travel to Belarus should be aware that the situation is unpredictable and there is heightened tension in the region. On 31 January, the department ordered the departure of family members of US government employees from the embassy in Minsk. US citizens in Belarus should depart immediately via commercial or private means.” More on that Belarus announcement from the US state department.ĭo not travel to Belarus due to the arbitrary enforcement of laws, the risk of detention, unusual and concerning Russian military buildup along Belarus’ border with Ukraine, Covid-19 and related entry restrictions. They said Bolsonaro sees potential benefits for a possible reelection bid because he can show proximity to fellow conservative leaders abroad.

We hope Brazil will take this opportunity to reinforce this message in their conversations in Moscow.Īt least two of Bolsonaro’s Cabinet ministers, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals, said privately they have been trying since last week to convince him to call off the trip. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity for lack of authorisation to speak publicly, AP said.Ī US state department official, meanwhile, issued a statement on Monday night US time that appeared to accept the meeting would go ahead.Īs democratic leaders, the United States and Brazil have a responsibility to stand up for democratic principles and the rules-based order. Two officials from Brazil’s foreign ministry told Associated Press that they have received messages from US officials saying the trip’s timing is inopportune and conveys Brazilian indifference to threats of invasion. Jair Bolsonaro is facing backlash at home and abroad over his decision to visit Russia for trade talks with Vladimir Putin.

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