Canadian Defense Minister Anita Anand says there is a “strong argument” that “atrocities” in Ukraine by Russians are genocide.
“Reports on the potential use of chemical weapons have been very disturbing, and this is an issue that NATO is still considering. And, of course, we must be very aware that the atrocities in Ukraine are already very serious, “Anand said in an interview with CTV’s Question period.
“I believe that if you take the definition of genocide, which includes the intention to destroy a nation in part or in whole, there is a strong argument that must be made, even without the use of chemical weapons, that genocide is happening,” Anand continued.
This was commented by the Minister of Defense after he was asked what NATO’s response would be if it was confirmed that Russia had used chemical weapons in Ukraine.
Ukraine has said it is investigating whether Russia may have used chemical weapons while attacking the Ukrainian port city of Mariupol, but these allegations have not been confirmed and have been denied by Russia.
During the current 50-day siege of Ukraine, Russian forces have been accused by Ukraine of committing war crimes against civilians, including children, and destroying entire cities.
International law defines genocide as the premeditated murder or infliction of other serious harm “with the intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial or religious group”.
The defense minister’s comments follow in the footsteps of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who told reporters earlier this week that it was “absolutely correct” that the term genocide was used in the context of what was happening in Ukraine.
“There are official processes surrounding the definition of genocide,” Trudeau said. “But I think it’s absolutely right that more and more people are talking and using the word ‘genocide’ in relation to what Russia is doing.”
Prior to Trudeau’s speech, US President Joe Biden said he considered Russia’s actions in Ukraine to be genocide. According to the Associated Press, Biden accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of trying to “erase the idea of even being Ukrainian”.
Although the comments of neither Canadian nor American officials were met with direct action or consequences, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky praised “calling things by their names.”
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