Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper sent a clear message to Russian President Vladimir Putin at the G20 summit. Harper shook Putin’s hand but told him, openly and in public, “I’ll shake your hand, but I only have one thing to say to you: Get out of Ukraine.”
With the recent tension over the Eastern Ukraine conflict and the expansion of the Russian Armed Forces in the Arctic, Prime Minister Harper has sent a clear message—Canada won’t be intimidated by the Russians.
Fortunately, the Americans, British, and the French are sharing the same opinion regarding current Russian incursions in Eastern Ukraine. Putin later told Canadian journalists that it was impossible to withdraw, as there are no Russian troops present in Eastern Ukraine.
Putin also added that no Russian troops have crossed into Ukraine for months. However, according to the International Business Times, more than “32 (Russian) tanks, 16 howitzer cannons, and 30 troop transports filled with men and equipment had crossed into the rebel-held area of Luhansk.”
Russian tanks in the Luhansk region
Prime Minister Harper did talk tough to President Putin, but can Canada back up their boldness? Most of Canada’s fighters are deployed against ISIS and alongside NATO in the Baltic States. The United States Air Force is providing most of the interception against Russian bombers over North America as we speak.
Additionally, tensions are rising in the Arctic, where Canada and Russia are fighting a diplomatic war for dominance. Russia is reopening Cold War-era military installations all over their part of the Arctic, sending additional troops and supplies. Meanwhile, the Canadian government is cutting back on defense spending and still struggling with not having operational deep-water ports in the Arctic.
Canada clearly taking a strong position on the Ukraine conflict
While I agree with Prime Minister Harper, I also think that it wasn’t the time or the best opportunity to send a message like that. It could have been perceived as a direct, actionable threat. As a representative of one of the G20 nations, Harper should’ve insisted on diplomacy by shaking Putin’s hand and not say a word.
The Russians are striking economical deals with China, making them less dependent on American and European currency, and are now becoming more aggressive with their air patrols. The Cold War might’ve officially ended at the start of the ’90s, but the Russians are now moving toward a renewed interest in reforming the Soviet Union.
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper sent a clear message to Russian President Vladimir Putin at the G20 summit. Harper shook Putin’s hand but told him, openly and in public, “I’ll shake your hand, but I only have one thing to say to you: Get out of Ukraine.”
With the recent tension over the Eastern Ukraine conflict and the expansion of the Russian Armed Forces in the Arctic, Prime Minister Harper has sent a clear message—Canada won’t be intimidated by the Russians.
Fortunately, the Americans, British, and the French are sharing the same opinion regarding current Russian incursions in Eastern Ukraine. Putin later told Canadian journalists that it was impossible to withdraw, as there are no Russian troops present in Eastern Ukraine.
Putin also added that no Russian troops have crossed into Ukraine for months. However, according to the International Business Times, more than “32 (Russian) tanks, 16 howitzer cannons, and 30 troop transports filled with men and equipment had crossed into the rebel-held area of Luhansk.”
Russian tanks in the Luhansk region
Prime Minister Harper did talk tough to President Putin, but can Canada back up their boldness? Most of Canada’s fighters are deployed against ISIS and alongside NATO in the Baltic States. The United States Air Force is providing most of the interception against Russian bombers over North America as we speak.
Additionally, tensions are rising in the Arctic, where Canada and Russia are fighting a diplomatic war for dominance. Russia is reopening Cold War-era military installations all over their part of the Arctic, sending additional troops and supplies. Meanwhile, the Canadian government is cutting back on defense spending and still struggling with not having operational deep-water ports in the Arctic.
Canada clearly taking a strong position on the Ukraine conflict
While I agree with Prime Minister Harper, I also think that it wasn’t the time or the best opportunity to send a message like that. It could have been perceived as a direct, actionable threat. As a representative of one of the G20 nations, Harper should’ve insisted on diplomacy by shaking Putin’s hand and not say a word.
The Russians are striking economical deals with China, making them less dependent on American and European currency, and are now becoming more aggressive with their air patrols. The Cold War might’ve officially ended at the start of the ’90s, but the Russians are now moving toward a renewed interest in reforming the Soviet Union.
Canada is clearly not on good terms with Russia, especially with the situation in Eastern Ukraine. They are also not in a position to adopt a firm stance against Russia, especially when it could lead to clashes in the Arctic.
It is pretty obvious that Canada will continue to support the NATO mission in the Baltic States and over the European members’ airspace, but the country should also start considering defending their own territory, especially in the Arctic.
Canadian soldier in the Arctic
Sending more soldiers to the Arctic to learn the arduous type of warfare waged in vast plains of frozen snow would be a great step towards ensuring their sovereignty. Canada can always count on its natural ally, the United States of America, but should also work hard so their armed forces are comfortable fighting domestically.
As someone who’s seen what happens when the truth is distorted, I know how unfair it feels when those who’ve sacrificed the most lose their voice. At SOFREP, our veteran journalists, who once fought for freedom, now fight to bring you unfiltered, real-world intel. But without your support, we risk losing this vital source of truth. By subscribing, you’re not just leveling the playing field—you’re standing with those who’ve already given so much, ensuring they continue to serve by delivering stories that matter. Every subscription means we can hire more veterans and keep their hard-earned knowledge in the fight. Don’t let their voices be silenced. Please consider subscribing now.
One team, one fight,
Brandon Webb former Navy SEAL, Bestselling Author and Editor-in-Chief
Barrett is the world leader in long-range, large-caliber, precision rifle design and manufacturing. Barrett products are used by civilians, sport shooters, law enforcement agencies, the United States military, and more than 75 State Department-approved countries around the world.
PO Box 1077 MURFREESBORO, Tennessee 37133 United States
Scrubba Wash Bag
Our ultra-portable washing machine makes your journey easier. This convenient, pocket-sized travel companion allows you to travel lighter while helping you save money, time and water.
Our roots in shooting sports started off back in 1996 with our founder and CEO, Josh Ungier. His love of airguns took hold of our company from day one and we became the first e-commerce retailer dedicated to airguns, optics, ammo, and accessories. Over the next 25 years, customers turned to us for our unmatched product selection, great advice, education, and continued support of the sport and airgun industry.
COMMENTS
There are on this article.
You must become a subscriber or login to view or post comments on this article.