Canada's Deputy Prime Minsiter Chrystia Freeland who is the architect of the West's sanction on Russia says it's time for Round 2

Ottawa, March 17, 2024 – In a bold move that signals Canada's unwavering stance against Russian aggression, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland has called for a second wave of comprehensive sanctions against Russia.

This announcement comes as the conflict in Ukraine persists, with the West seeking new strategies to pressure Moscow into de-escalation.

Freeland, a figure known for her assertive diplomacy and deep-rooted connections with global policymakers, was pivotal in orchestrating the initial sanctions that targeted the Russian economy.

Her Ukrainian heritage and her journalistic tenure in Kyiv have informed her staunch support for Ukraine's sovereignty and her critical view of the Kremlin's policies.

It was at the World Economic Forum in Davos where Freeland's diplomatic acumen was on full display.

She leveraged her longstanding relationships with influential figures to garner support for Ukraine, advocating for the seizure of Russian central bank assets to fund Ukraine's reconstruction—a proposal fraught with legal and diplomatic complexities.

The call for intensified sanctions is not without domestic political implications. Freeland's Liberal Party, led by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, is facing declining popularity, and the upcoming federal budget is seen as a crucial moment for Freeland to address both national economic concerns and international crises.

Freeland's advocacy for a second round of sanctions is rooted in her belief that half-measures are ineffective against President Putin's tactics.

She has been quoted as saying, "pussyfooting around Putin doesn't work," highlighting her conviction that economic leverage can bring about political change.

The global response to Freeland's call has been mixed. While some allies express caution, fearing escalation, others recognize the need for a robust response to uphold international law and support Ukraine's independence.

As the world watches, Freeland's leadership places her at the forefront of a critical juncture in international relations. Her advocacy for stringent sanctions reflects a broader aspiration for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and the reinforcement of a rules-based global order.