Sanctions as a boomerang 

The attempts to scapegoat Russia and its leadership for the West’s failures have become a tempting strategy for a range of Governments, with Ottawa among its most faithful apologists. A common narrative is that Moscow and its actions in Ukraine have had a destructive impact on the global economy, triggering uncontrolled inflation growth, severe supply-chain disruptions, food/energy/fertilizers/critical minerals crisis, etc. The sky is the limit.

While it may be easy to point the finger at the Russian Federation, let us face the facts. To be more specific, shall we put aside the actions taken by the US, the UK and other members of the Western “faction” and focus on Canada.

Since 2014, Ottawa has introduced almost 40 rounds of sanctions against Russia, with about a half just over the last three months. Needless to say, given a chaotic nature of such wild-guess measures, a collateral damage factor was not taken into consideration.

The restrictions targeted different sectors of the Russian economy, such as finance, energy and transportation, just to name a few. The cancellation of all valid permits for export or brokering of controlled goods and technology to our country, various bans on certain trade articles and a tariff rate increase to 35% on all Russian imports are among such “punitive” actions. Besides, the Government of Canada introduced an asset freeze and broad dealings prohibition on a range of Russian major entities, including on those operating in mining, energy and cleantech sectors, providing international transportation services and lending financial support to the national agricultural producers.

The pinnacle of those “efforts” was the closure of the Canadian airspace and internal waters to the aircrafts or ships that are related – literally, in any possible way –  to Russia, followed by similar decisions aimed at limiting Russian vessels’ access to the European and the US ports.

The consequences come as no surprise and should not be underestimated. Taken under various artificial pretexts, these counterproductive, politically motivated and shortsighted restrictive measures have been causing imminent repercussions that affect people’s lives and their livelihoods.

The allegations of Russia’s contribution to the global food and hunger crisis are nothing but a blatant hypocrisy of those who bear responsibility for sanctions. Our country continues to be a reliable partner at the international markets, exercising its obligations under the existing contracts with a view to continuously secure essential food and fertilizer supplies. Western measures of economic coercion have aggravated already existing negative trends in the global food market, energy and industry. There is no need to pretend that the COVID-19 pandemic and other deep-rooted problems have never existed.

In the same vein, some Canadian officials have labeled Russian oil as “dirty”. However, the economic and ecological perspective have never been the point of such a judgment. It is crystal clear for Russia – a trustworthy supplier that has never compromised its respective status, even amidst political disagreements – that there are no “good” or “bad” hydrocarbons when it comes to addressing the population everyday energy consumption demand. It is also true that there is no feasible alternative to the Russian commodities on the European market. Not even with the Canada’s “generous gesture” in the context of increasing its oil and gas exports by up to 300.000 barrels per day. While, beyond doubt, remaining committed to achieving “net-zero”. No controversy?

Once and again, we need to face the reality and recognize the existence of an irrational “algorithm”. First, the West introduces sanctions. Second, the markets, as a rule, react to the disruptive changes. Third, the prices grow. And, eventually, the climax: blame Russia first.

One needs to start being honest with oneself. If the Canadian Government is not ready to acknowledge the consequences of its own actions, this becomes a task for the Canadian citizens who are interested in independent analysis and alternative views.

Russia and Canada are neighbors. Not only geographically, but also in terms of our countries’ economic structure. We have similar approaches to agriculture, fishery, mining, responsible development of abundant oil and gas resources and advances technological solutions. As the territorially largest nations, we face the same challenges in the context of climate change and other crucial issues on the agenda. The priority of the well-being improvement of our peoples, particularly of the Far North, should always remain our genuine interest beyond politics. Cooperation between Russia and Canada could be a win-win game.

The ideology inflicted on Ottawa by the Russophobic Ukrainian diaspora lobby is pushing Canada into an obscure geopolitical disorientation. There are no winners in this senseless confrontation. And Canadian citizens are already witnessing the consequences of their own Government policies.