The Canadian government is about to seize a Russian cargo plane parked in Toronto. The Kremlin warns Canada-Russia relations are on the verge of severing. In fact, this break seems inevitable. Ultimate responsibility rests with the Russians.
However, the seizure of the Russian cargo plane poses a problem. This plane was used to transport emergency medical supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic. In other words, this plane saved lives in Canada. Then the plane was grounded because of the war in Ukraine, because Russian planes were banned from flying in Canada.
The confiscation of the plane would therefore be a small gesture, to say the least.
Transfer
The diplomatic rift between Canada and Russia is inevitable. Ottawa should have initiated it long ago, or at least minimized the number of Russian diplomats in Canada.
When the Russian government warns that Canada’s actions could lead to a breakdown in relations between the two countries, it is attempting to shift the blame for this breakdown onto Canada. It is not so. Russia has militarily attacked Ukraine under false pretenses.
Such a rupture would weaken Russia’s espionage and influence apparatus. It will send a clear message. It will encourage other countries to do the same.
No choice
Canada has no choice but to defend the democracy camp against dictatorships.
But the democracies are weaker than before because their demographic weight and relative economic strength have decreased.
This sad reality forces the leaders of democracies to make pacts with authoritarian regimes to fight against the most dangerous dictators.
The absolute danger right now is Vladimir Putin.
Unfortunately, many other enemies of democracies around the world are growing stronger. One of them is called Donald Trump. Another is called Xi Jinping.
