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Canada's Ex-PM Trudeau: 'Putin must not win under any circumstances'
🇦🇹 Austria /Elections & Politics

Canada's Ex-PM Trudeau: 'Putin must not win under any circumstances'

From Die Presse · () German

Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated that Putin must not win the war in Ukraine under any circumstances.
  • Trudeau criticized the potential for a peace deal that allows Russia to save face, warning it would strengthen autocratic leaders globally.
  • He also commented on the strained relationship between Canada and the U.S. under Donald Trump, noting the paradox of U.S. tariffs being counterproductive.

Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with a relaxed demeanor at the Salzburg Summit, reflecting on global politics and the strained relationship with the United States. He quipped that he would rather be the 28th member of the EU than the 51st U.S. state, a jab at former President Donald Trump's past provocations.

I am rather the 28th EU member than the 51st US state.

— Justin TrudeauDuring a conference on 'Alliances in a New World Order' in Salzburg, Trudeau made a quip about his relationship with the U.S.

Trudeau, who no longer has to contend with Trump's constant taunts, has passed on the complex management of the U.S. relationship to his successor. The recent opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge between Windsor and Detroit, a nearly $5 billion project, proceeded without U.S. participation, symbolizing the renewed friction between the two nations. Trudeau noted that Canadians are "really annoyed" with their neighbors, highlighting the counterproductive nature of U.S. tariffs.

The Canadians are really annoyed with their neighbors. The paradox is that the tariffs are counterproductive for the USA, not least because of the boycott by the Canadians. The USA is paying a price for it.

— Justin TrudeauReflecting on the strained Canada-U.S. relationship and the impact of tariffs.

Addressing the war in Ukraine, Trudeau took a firm stance, emphasizing that any peace settlement must not allow Russia to "save face." He declared, "Putin must not win this war under any circumstances. He must not even achieve a small victory. That would have real consequences. It would only strengthen his power." He fears the collapse of the rules-based international order, viewing Ukraine as a critical test case for dictators worldwide.

Putin must not win this war under any circumstances. He must not even achieve a small victory. That would have real consequences. It would only strengthen his power.

— Justin TrudeauStating his position on the outcome of the Ukraine war.

Trudeau also echoed concerns about the "anger of the younger generation," who may not see their prosperity promises fulfilled, potentially breaking the social contract between generations. He noted that only a small fraction of people, 16 percent in Canada and even fewer in Europe, trust the establishment. He praised the "brave and determined Ukrainians" and stated that Canada's role is to support Ukraine until it is ready to negotiate its own terms.

Our task is to support Ukraine for as long as it wants to negotiate itself and says: Enough is enough.

— Justin TrudeauOn the duration of support for Ukraine.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Die Presse in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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