Harper pens editorial about Russia for Globe and Mail

Prime Minister Stephen Harper penned an editorial about Russia for Saturday's Globe and Mail. Photo: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

TORONTO – Prime Minister Stephen Harper says the western world can’t soften its tough stand toward Russia over the crisis in Ukraine, even at the expense of the economy.

In an unusual move, Harper has written an editorial on the situation in Ukraine that was published in Saturday’s Globe and Mail.

He writes that although militants in eastern Ukraine are referred to as ‘pro-Russian separatists,’ there is no doubt they are “an extension of the “Russian state.”

We will not allow business interests alone to dictate our foreign policy

Harper accuses Russia of “aggressive militarism” that he says is a threat to not only Ukraine, but Europe and the values that bind Western nations.

Some Canadian companies, notably aircraft maker Bombardier, have expressed concern about doing business in Russia in the face of increasing Canadian sanctions on Russian individuals and entities.

Harper says Canada’s national interests must come first.

Russian President Vladmir Putin (C) attends a celebration of the 700th anniversary of St. Sergius of Radonezh in the Trinity St. Sergius monastery in Sergeiv Posad outside Moscow on July 18, 2014. (MIKHAIL KLIMENTYEV/AFP/Getty Images)

“The steps Canada has taken have not been made without careful consideration of their potential impact on Canadian business interests abroad and at home,” Harper writes.

“We will not allow business interests alone to dictate our foreign policy.”

Bombardier said Friday that Canadian sanctions could affect the timeline of the company’s plans to set up a plant in Russia to build regional jets in a project estimated to be worth $3.4 billion.