It’s no longer news that Russia is amassing troops along its border with Ukraine. Our politicians understand the gravity of the situation especially with the current unpredictability of the Kremlin. Canada has been resolute in its condemnation of Russia, but it can do more.
Your Member of Parliament should be demanding the government to undertake pre-emptive initiatives to avoid a full-scale military confrontation in Eastern Europe that can affect seriously countries distant from the actual battlefront.
MPs pay attention to what concerns his/her constituents, the voters who elected them. They actually count the number of phone calls, e-mails, letters, etc., that refer to specific issues. Our heritage makes us more attentive and responsive to matters related to Russia. Not so with the typical Canadian, who currently is obsessed with the pandemic and its related socio/economic fallout.
Therefore, we must impress MPs that a substantial number of voters (avoid identifying yourself as Estonian) see Russia’s aggression as an urgent matter. Short letters, e-mails can be productive in this. Long letters aren’t as effective. Possible examples of the contents:
Mr. John Smith, M.P. ……. Canada needs to do more in helping Ukraine avert an attack from Russia. Massive Russian troops deployed at its border with Ukraine puts all countries of central and eastern Europe at risk. Canada can help in expanding the number of countries willing to join in enforcing sanctions against a reckless Russia, who only respects a large, unified and determined West. We need to pre-empt a Russian strike, not react to it after.
Dear ……. As a citizen of Canada, I am deeply concerned about the possibility of war, instigated by Russia against Ukraine. More than 14,000 have died since Russia attacked Ukraine in 2014. Declaring sanctions as punishment “one second after” Russia invades Ukraine is too late. Sanctions must be implemented now. They can be eased once Russia removes its troop build-up.
Dear .…… Russian threats against Ukraine have already harmed that country. It’s obvious that potential investors, trading partners and others will be extra cautious and reluctant to pursue possible relationships with Ukrainian enterprises at least in the near future. Therefore comprehensive and targeted sanctions should be applied now against Russia.
Dear ……. Russia troops deployed against Ukraine is not a threat against NATO expansion eastward only. Moscow wants a total halt to Ukraine having any relationship with Western institutions. Once again it shows Moscow’s intent to restore the Soviet empire. We must remember the Ukraine was the second largest of the Soviet republics. Canada must help in gaining support from Western countries beyond just the NATO alliance to show support for the implementation of comprehensive sanctions now, not after a possible Russian assault, when it’ll be too late.
Dear ……. Canada has always been a proponent of international peace and stability, rather than military confrontation. If the current Russian threat against Ukraine is not deterred now, Russia will remain a continuing source of intimidation and harassment in eastern Europe, affecting peace and stability worldwide. Sanctions must be enforced now. Canada should take initiative in this.
Dear ……. Russia has been at war with Ukraine since its invasion of Ukraine seven years ago. The punitive actions taken so far against Russia have had little influence in restoring Ukraine’s territorial integrity. Russia has now created the most serious security crisis In Europe since WWII. This cannot continue. Sanctions, including cutting Russia off from the world banking and financial system must be implemented now.
Dear ……. If the West cannot deter Russia’s threatening posture against Ukraine now, the confrontational standoff will destabilize Europe for the long term with consequences also for Canada. NATO’s membership cannot be a bargaining chip in talks with Moscow. Canada must support the implementation of effective sanctions now. Russia only understands and respects strength and the unity of the West. Canada can help in gaining a unified position among its allies.
Surely everybody has some moments during the Christmas/New Year’s holidays to send a few lines to their local Member of Parliament. It’s an easy and worthwhile New Year’s resolution to fulfill.
Laas Leivat
