The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement:
"Canada is saddened to learn of the death of Leonid Kravchuk, who led Ukraine to independence and served as its first democratically elected president, from 1991 to 1994.
"Throughout his life, President Kravchuk remained committed to a free, independent, and secure Ukraine. In the face of Russia's ongoing illegal and unjustifiable violation of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, Canada will continue to work alongside its allies and international partners to defend the values of peace, freedom, and democracy so that all Ukrainians can be free to determine their own future.
"On behalf of the Government of Canada, I offer my sincere condolences to the family and friends of former President Kravchuk, and to the people of Ukraine, who are mourning his loss in this difficult time."
