Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today issued the following statement:

“Canada welcomes the announcement made by Ukraine’s President Petro Poroshenko that he has extended the unilateral ceasefire with Russian-backed gunmen in eastern Ukraine. We commend the President for taking clear steps to achieve peace, and we strongly believe it is time for other parties to begin demonstrating good faith in talks with Kyiv.

“Russia must take immediate action by drawing down its forces on the border, preventing the flow of weapons and militants into Ukraine and exercising its influence by curtailing its inflammatory propaganda campaign and renouncing violence.

“Canada will continue to work closely with its allies and partners and take any further actions required to support stability and security in the region.”

src:news.gc.ca