Hon. Stan Kutcher: Senator Gold, on a slightly different angle, what measures are Canada taking to prompt our allies in NATO to support Ukraine by providing the heavy weapons and air and naval defence systems that Ukraine needs to counter this illegal and horrific Russian attack?

If Canada can’t do it directly, what are we doing indirectly?

Hon. Stan Kutcher: Honourable senators, my question is for Senator Gold.

Senator Gold, recently, the Russian state-owned domestic news agency published a piece which vigorously promoted what they called the de-nazification of the entire population of Ukraine. It proposes to liquidate the political, civil and economic leadership of the country and those who support it and calls for the removal of all vestiges of Ukrainian identity, including the very name Ukraine.

This genocidal obliteration by Russia of Ukraine is what this war is about. We have all seen the horrors of Bucha, the presence of mass civilian graves and photos of people found lying in the streets with their hands bound, shot in the head and some bodies showing signs of torture, rape and burning.

While I acknowledge the important help that Canada has been providing and continues to provide, much if not most of our efforts have focused on sanctions and humanitarian assistance. However, Ukraine is asking for heavy weapons and air and naval defence systems, which it needs to defend itself. It is in this area of need that Canada has not stepped up fully.

On Monday, my 9-year-old grandson gave my daughter $10.85 that he received for selling Ukrainian flags that he had made and asked her to send it to Ukraine to help Ukraine fight back.

Will our government follow his lead and provide Ukraine with the weapons or the funds to purchase the weapons that Ukraine needs?