WASHINGTON –
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Sunday that mass graves found in Ukraine are evidence of Russian war crimes and should be held fully accountable for its actions.
Trudeau, in London for Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral, told reporters he had met British Prime Minister Liz Truss and that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was at the top of their agenda.
“Clearly the UK and Canada are two of the strongest countries in supporting Ukraine and pushing back against Russia’s illegal actions,” Trudeau said.
Those actions “increasingly include, obviously, war crimes, including crimes that are completely unacceptable, whether we think about what we find in Bucha or the discovered mass graves in the territories recovered by Ukraine,” he said.
Ukrainian officials last week said they had found 440 bodies in the woods near Izium in northeastern Ukraine, a town recaptured by Ukrainian forces. They said most of those killed were civilians and the cause of death has yet to be determined. The Kremlin has not commented on the discovery of the graves, but Moscow has repeatedly denied deliberately attacking civilians or committing atrocities.
“There needs to be a proper and transparent investigation and Vladimir Putin, his supporters and the Russian military need to be held accountable for the atrocities they have been and continue to commit in Ukraine.” Trudeau said.
Trudeau, who is scheduled to meet with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal on Sunday night, said Canada strongly supports Ukraine and will continue to provide aid.
Trudeau said his talks with Truss also touched on the trade relationship between the two countries.
Mr. Trudeau said they discussed a Canada-UK trade deal that is being negotiated and is progressing “well”, as well as Canada’s support for Britain’s ability to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Partnership. Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
