RCDA’s position with regards to president Donald Trump’s statements

February 20, 2025

In recent weeks, U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed to be making progress towards a potential peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine, culminating in a summit that excluded both Ukraine and Europe. On February 19, he also made a series of false allegations about the nature of the conflict, Ukraine, and President Zelensky. RCDA would welcome an end to the war that reinforces Ukraine’s independence and security, but the American president’s rhetoric raises serious concerns — not only for the future of Ukraine and Russia but for global stability as well.

As an organization representing pro-democracy Russian Canadians, RCDA condemns the disinformation President Trump spreads. His misleading statements about Ukraine and President Zelensky parrot Kremlin propaganda. This is especially detrimental coming from what should be the leader of the world’s most powerful nation in terms of military and economy. 

We are deeply disappointed by the double standards President Trump applies to Ukraine and Russia. Demanding elections in Ukraine — a country that has seen five presidents since the fall of the USSR — while ignoring the fact that Russia has not held a free and fair election in decades is hypocritical. If fair elections are a prerequisite for peace, why not demand the same from Russia? As democratic Russians, we would support such a demand: allow all political opponents to run, permit independent observers at polling stations, and ensure a transparent vote count.

Calling President Zelensky a dictator while marking the anniversary of Alexei Navalny’s death is an insult to Russian citizens who endure an actual dictatorship. Russian opposition leaders are imprisoned, assassinated, or exiled, and many of us cannot return or visit our families in Russia due to strict censorship and draconian “disinformation” laws. If the condition for peace is the removal of a so-called “dictator” in Ukraine, then fairness dictates that Russia must also meet the same standard: repealing wartime laws and rehabilitating those unjustly prosecuted under them.

We are appalled — but not surprised — by the blatant victim-blaming in President Trump’s claim that Ukraine started the war, or could have prevented it three years ago. It was Vladimir Putin who chose to invade Ukraine, and he alone has the power to stop the war at any moment — by withdrawing his troops. Ukraine cannot do the same. Its soldiers are already home, defending their land, their freedom, and their independence — the very values that America claims to champion.

It is deeply troubling that the American president positions himself as an ally to a convicted war criminal and mass murderer. What message does this send to other dictators around the world?

As emigrants from the country that launched this unprovoked war that has resulted in the killing of innocent civilians and destruction of infrastructure in an attempt to crush Ukrainian resistance, we want nothing more than for this horrific conflict to end. However, we firmly believe that any negotiations must prioritize Ukraine’s interests. Some compromises may be necessary, but beginning peace talks by undermining Ukraine’s sacrifices and military achievements is not a path to a legitimate resolution.

As a community of anti-war Russians, we urge the United States to act as an ally of democracy and freedom, not of war criminals. Otherwise, global stability will become even more fragile than it already is. We call on President Trump to stop emboldening a dictator who believes his crimes will go unpunished and that responsibility will fall on his victims. Now more than ever, the world needs America to stand for democracy and human rights. That means standing with Ukraine. 

As Canada navigates this shifting geopolitical landscape, we must also acknowledge that President Trump’s threats of tariffs and hostility toward Europe reveal him as an unreliable ally — both in trade and in military partnerships. Given this uncertainty, we urge the Canadian government to strengthen its cooperation with European, Commonwealth and Global South allies, advocate for the full use of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine and play an active role in facilitating the exchange of Ukrainian prisoners of war. If the United States is wavering in its commitments, Canada must step up alongside its European partners to ensure unwavering support for Ukraine’s fight for freedom.

We understand that this situation leaves many feeling lost and unsure of what to do. But now, more than ever, we believe it’s crucial to act in solidarity with Ukraine. Support Ukrainian businesses, donate to drones, portable power stations, and rebuilding homes in Eastern Ukraine, write to your representatives asking for more military and financial aid for Ukraine, and, most importantly, show up. This weekend marks the third anniversary of the full-scale war, and the Ukrainian Canadian Congress is holding events in cities across Canada. Find one near you and join: https://www.ucc.ca/stand-with-ukraine/stand-with-ukraine-2025-call-to-action/.

We know these are dark times, and it’s easy to fall into hopelessness. But even the hardest times pass. Let’s support each other and #StandWithUkraine.