Russia will not shape security architecture of free Europe, Canadian PM Carney says, as Moscow floats separate non-aggression pacts with NATO countries and return to 1997 lines
Ottawa will never walk away from any ally, he states.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney affirms that Canada will never abandon a NATO ally, speaking out as US and Russian negotiators extend the Ukraine discussions to encompass a reshaping of Europe's security framework. This development has sparked concerns that NATO's commitment to defend every member might be compromised, according to CityNews Ottawa.
Earlier reports from Reuters suggest that Russia may extend non-aggression pacts individually with NATO members, while Moscow has pushed for NATO to revert to its 1997 positions during Abu Dhabi talks, as noted by The New York Times.
Carney, speaking at a news conference in Manila, emphasized that Canada's position as a NATO member precludes it from severing ties with any other NATO member, ever. He stressed the need for "more stable outcomes" as opposed to previous efforts aimed at containing Russian expansion without proper deterrence. Carney further clarified that the security structure for Europe's future would be determined by Europe and NATO, not by Russia and a reiteration of the Minsk agreement.
The US and Russian negotiators have broadened the conversation beyond military confrontations and prisoners to include the security arrangements across Europe since the Cold War. Specifically, Carney rejected the notion that Moscow should dictate these terms, stating, "The security architecture for free Europe will be determined by free Europe and NATO, not by Russia and a redux of the Minsk agreement."
Ottawa's stance on Russia is underscored by Canada's sanctions and the new ban on athletes representing Russia or Belarus in Canada, demonstrating Canada's commitment to Ukraine, democracy, territorial integrity, and the rule of law. These positions place Canada on the opposing side of Vladimir Putin's Russia.
Despite his stance, Carney will be joining other leaders for the next week's Asia-Pacific summit in China, where Putin is also scheduled to attend, "out of respect for the host." This decision differs from that of Foreign Minister Anita Anand, who previously declined a group photo with her Russian counterpart at the G20 summit. Moscow has dismissed Canada's position, contending that the country lacks sincerity in its pursuit of dialogue.
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