The threat of Russian aggression continues in Eastern Ukraine, causing concerns for a local MP. Selkirk-Interlake-Eastman MP and National Defence Critic James Bezan says while support for Ukraine has been unwavering since they declared independence 25 years ago, that support needs to be ramped up. He says Russian President Vladimir Putin has been increasing its rhetoric, while also bringing troops, artillery, and a fleet of fighter jets into Russian-occupied Crimea. 

Defence Critic James Bezan

Bezan says the issue of moving Nuclear Missiles has also come up, and the Russians have been violating cease-fire orders about 50 times a day. Bezan says he was disappointed at a lack of commitment to the Ukrainian people the last time Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was in Ukraine.

"He never committed to extending Operation Unifier Training Mission with the Canadian Armed Forced in western Ukraine. He also didn't commit to giving Ukraine satellite imagery back, which Canada had been providing under the Conservative government."

Bezan says the posturing of Russians Military escalates the tension in the region and describes their movement of artillery as a threat to NATO and its allies. He feels any attempts to normalize relationships with Russia are misguided, given the ongoing situation.

"I think we have to be prepared for action. Ukrainian President Poroshenko has stood up all his forces at a high readiness, including positions some of their very few fighter jets --they're very old MiG and Sukhoi Russian-built aircraft going back to the Soviet times. Unfortunately, I think that all of us have to be prepared for the worst.

Bezan says as the opposition they hope to see continued support for their Ukrainian Allies, and that they continue to implement sanctions on those responsible for the aggression.