Statement on Russia’s withdrawal from Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe

November 7, 2023 – Tokyo, Japan – Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement:

“Canada stands with its NATO Allies in condemning Russia’s withdrawal, effective today, from the landmark Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe [CFE Treaty].

“Russia’s withdrawal of the CFE Treaty erodes the very basis on which it was built and creates an unacceptable imbalance in the European security framework. As a result, and in coordination with our Allies, Canada today notified the Depository of the CFE Treaty that, in accordance with international law, we will suspend our operation of the CFE Treaty effective February 7, 2024.

 “This withdrawal marks the culmination of Russia’s disregard for its obligations under the CFE Treaty, beginning with its suspension, without legal grounds, of the CFE Treaty’s application in 2007 and continuing today with its illegal and unjustifiable aggression against Ukraine, which is another state party to the CFE Treaty. Russia’s wholesale withdrawal from the CFE Treaty is yet another example of its efforts to undermine Euro-Atlantic security and the rules-based international order.

 “Canada remains committed to effective conventional arms control, to ensuring Euro-Atlantic security and to working with Allies and partners to maintain confidence- and security-building measures.”