Canada did not hold back its red pen, suggesting heavy edits to a letter by the Russian government regarding humanitarian efforts in Ukraine.
The letter, written to the United Nations branch in Canada from its counterpart in Russia, described proposed efforts from the Kremlin to address the effects of the war in Ukraine after Russia’s invasion three weeks ago. Canadian officials sharply rebuked the letter, offering hefty edits and clarifications in a response posted to Twitter on Thursday.
“I am reaching out to you with regard to an urgent matter related to the dire humanitarian situation in and around Ukraine,” the letter read. The sentence is followed by a red arrow leading to the left margin of the page with an annotation that reads, “INSERT: ‘which we have caused as a result of our illegal war of aggression.'”
The note is one of more than 30 edits and suggestions from Canadian officials, including comments for clarification and slashing entire sentences from the letter.
RECENT RUSSIAN ATTACKS ‘APPEAR TO BE FOCUSED DIRECTLY ON CIVILIANS,’ AUSTIN SAYS
The letter, sent to Canada on Wednesday, urges U.N. countries to put aside political stances to “make every effort possible to minimize humanitarian consequences for civilian population in Ukraine.”
“Yes,” Canada wrote in a comment. “But you are attacking civilians, bombing schools and hospitals, and looting aid. Which makes us think you do not actually believe this? Please explain.”
Thank you @RussiaUN for your letter dated March 16.
Please see our suggested edits below. #StandWithUkraine #RespectTheCharter pic.twitter.com/0M663R0tUW
— Canada Mission UN #StandWithUkraine ?? (@CanadaUN) March 17, 2022
As of Tuesday, 726 civilians have been killed and another 1,174 injured in Ukraine, according to the Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Several of Russia’s attacks have targeted civilians, with children sheltering in a theater and parents waiting in line for food becoming the latest to be killed or wounded in Ukraine this week. Previous strikes targeted a maternity hospital, a church, and multiple crowded apartment buildings across the war-torn country.
In the letter, Russian leaders propose a draft resolution that would subject all U.N. members to the same humanitarian and human rights laws — demanding that women and children are protected. It also condemns the placement of military objects in densely populated areas, a response to several countries sending weapons to Ukraine to assist its war efforts.
The resolution would ensure safe passage to countries outside of Ukraine, particularly for medical personnel and vulnerable populations.
“COMMENT: How do you account for Russian forces besieging cities, preventing civilians from fleeing, denying humanitarian corridors, and looting aid?” Canada wrote. “Please explain.”
The letter concludes with a call for U.N. member states to fund the flash fund initiated by the intergovernmental organization, which provides aid and support to more than 300,000 Ukrainians affected by the conflict.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
“COMMENT: Yes, but let’s be clear,” Canada responded. “This flash appeal has been launched because of the war and suffering you have unleashed on Ukraine.”
Canadian officials also suggested their own version of Russia’s proposal, using the language: “In asking you to co-sponsor this farcical resolution that we have put forward at the Security Council, likely in violation of the Charter, we want you to know just how little we care about the human life that we have destroyed in Ukraine and how much disdain we have for you, the membership of the UN, and for this entire institution.”
“Thoughts?” Canadian officials asked in closing.
