The Canadian government, which has repeatedly stressed the need for Moscow to isolate itself politically and diplomatically over its military offensive in Ukraine, has nevertheless sent a senior official to attend the Russian embassy’s party on Friday in Ottawa. The reception took place at the embassy on Charlotte Street – recently renamed Free Ukraine Street in Ottawa – even as protesters outside the gates denounced Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of his country’s smallest neighborhood. Russia Day, which commemorates the passage of legislation in 1990 that began Russia’s constitutional reform at the end of the Soviet era, falls on June 12. Moscow’s diplomatic mission to Ottawa celebrated early Friday with a hearty meal and drink, as well as a speech by Russian Ambassador Oleg Stepanov, recalling his country’s long-standing relationship with Canada. The guests include representatives from Pakistan, Egypt and other African countries. The Canadian representative at the event was Yasemin Heinbecker, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Department of Global Affairs, Canada. The Russian embassy said it appreciated Canada’s presence. “We appreciate Mrs. Heinbecker for welcoming us,” Vladimir Proskuryakov, the deputy head of the embassy mission, said in a statement. “We believe that diplomacy is an all-time tool and that diplomatic protocol is an important part of maintaining bilateral communication.” The Ukrainian-Canadian Congress, a defense group, said the Canadian government’s presence at the celebration was shocking. Ihor Michalchyshyn, managing director and executive director of the conference, which represents Canadians of Ukrainian descent, noted that the House of Commons unanimously adopted a proposal in April declaring Russia’s war in Ukraine a genocide. “The fact that our government is sending officials to a party at the Russian embassy is disgusting to us Canadians and offensive to us Ukrainians,” said Michalchyshyn. “We have long called on the Canadian government to expel Russian diplomats still in Canada and to recognize Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism. “So far, our government has ignored these calls.” Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly’s office defended Canada’s presence at the Russian embassy’s celebrations. “This is not a normal situation, but we still have diplomatic relations with Russia on Canadian interests and global affairs. Canada has sent a protocol officer to the reception,” said Christelle Chartrand, a spokeswoman for the department. a statement. He said it was important to remember that Canada had publicly condemned Russia’s “illegal and unwarranted invasion of Ukraine” and that the Canadian government had twice summoned its envoy to Moscow to express his condemnation directly. Stephanie Carvin, an associate professor of international relations at Carleton University’s Norman Paterson School of International Affairs and a former national security analyst, said it was inappropriate and unnecessary for Canada to take part in the Russian celebrations. “Maintaining diplomatic relations in a time of armed conflict is important for crisis management and an important tool for government,” said Professor Carvin. “However, given Russia ‘s aggression, Canada’ s strong stance against this aggression and the alleged war crimes committed in Ukraine by Russian forces, this is untimely and inappropriate. “The presence at the reception goes far beyond what is necessary.” Interim Conservative leader Candice Bergen said Russia Day is supposed to be a celebration of the Russian people rejecting authoritarianism and the communist Soviet Union, but has been overshadowed this year by Mr Putin’s illegal war and occupation of Ukraine. “Conservatives have long called on the liberal government to do more to isolate the Putin regime in the world, including the expulsion of Russian diplomats, as our allies did,” Bergen said on Sunday. “Instead of endorsing the Kremlin-backed celebration at the Russian embassy, the Liberal government should work with countries such as Egypt, Pakistan and those in Africa to prevent Putin’s illegal warfare from sparking a global crisis. will do more harm to developing countries. . » NDP foreign affairs critic Heather McPherson called the decision to send a Canadian representative to the party “quite outrageous”. The Russian military offensive lasted more than 15 weeks. Some of the bloodiest battles of the war are now being fought in eastern Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently said that up to 100 Ukrainians are dying every day on the eastern front of the war – an obvious reference to military casualties. The Canadian government has imposed sanctions on more than 1,070 individuals, companies and organizations in Russia, Belarus and Ukraine since Russia’s large-scale invasion began in late February. In late May, Ms. Jolie said the sanctions were intended to “stifle the Putin regime” and that Canada and its allies’ goal was to isolate Russia “economically, politically and diplomatically.” Canada has pledged $ 500 million in military aid to Ukraine this year and has disbursed several hundred million so far. In recent months, Canadian diplomats have also taken part in other countries, withdrawing from international events when Russian speakers speak. 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