Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today released the following statement:

“Today, Canada commends the people of Ukraine who, one year ago, first took to Independence Square in Kyiv to peacefully stand up against the corrupt Yanukovych regime.

“In the year since, the Ukrainian people have achieved remarkable progress toward ensuring a democratic and prosperous future, including the holding of successful presidential and parliamentary elections and the conclusion of the historic association agreement with the European Union.

“These successes have not come easily—they have been achieved in the face of sustained efforts by the Putin regime to deny the Ukrainian people the right to determine the course of their history.

“As we commend the Ukrainian people for their courage and resilience, the government and people of Canada reiterate their commitment to support Ukraine as it charts its path as a vibrant, confident and prosperous democracy.”