Ottawa will create a task force to counter Russian disinformation and propaganda, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Tuesday. Canada is also expanding its sanctions list to include 62 more people as well as Russian drone company Concern Avtomatika in retaliation for Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. The prime minister announced the new measures during a special meeting attended by leaders from dozens of countries that support Ukraine. Ostensibly to discuss Russia’s illegal annexation of the Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea in 2014, the meeting took place on the eve of the six-month anniversary of Moscow’s full-scale invasion of its western neighbor. Trudeau appeared via video link from Toronto where he is hosting German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who also promised more aid to Ukraine. Trudeau and Scholz also pushed back against Russian claims that Western sanctions are responsible for rising food prices around the world, which the Canadian leader said was one reason the disinformation task force was established. “When the Russian regime blames sanctions for the food crisis around the world, they are engaging in disinformation,” Trudeau said. “We must continue to fight Russian disinformation. That’s why Canada will establish a task force to help increase our ability to monitor and detect Russian and other government disinformation.” The prime minister also announced that Canada will spend nearly $4 million on two projects to strengthen Ukraine’s military and police services, including mental health programs.
Some additional details on what the Prime Minister pledged for Ukraine: -Among those sanctioned are high-ranking Russian government and defense officials -$ for Cda-Ukraine Police Development Project & Min of Defense -Disinfo team to help understand, track and detect state-sponsored disinformation — Rachel Aiello (@rachaiello) August 23, 2022 This report by The Canadian Press was first published on August 23, 2022.
