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Ukraine’s new ambassador to Canada has dismissed suggestions the Liberal government is automatically abandoning his country by re-engaging with Russia.

In an exclusive interview, Ukrainian Ambassador Andriy Shevchenko said he hopes Canada will boost its support for his country, including through the provision of arms and long-term aid. He also defended his government’s slow fight against corruption, which has become a concern for Canada and other donors.

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But despite the Trudeau government’s plan to treat with Russia on the Arctic and other areas of mutual interest, Shevchenko said the Liberals have been as supportive of Ukraine as were the Conservatives.

“If we go back to facts, if we go back to actions, as of the moment I can clearly tell you we don’t see any differences or changes in the Canadian policy,” the ambassador said. “And we really hope it will stay that way.”

The previous Conservative government took an even tougher line than the U.S. and many European countries by suspending virtually all contact with Moscow after Russia invaded Crimea in March 2014 and began supporting rebels in eastern Ukraine.