The House of Commons Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development conducts studies and reports on matters related to Canadian foreign policy and international relations.

On April 27, 2023, the committee presented its fourteenth report, continuing its study of the evolving situation at the Russia-Ukraine border and the potential implications for peace and security.

The committee assessed the risks to peace and security in the region and presented its report to the House of Commons.

Russia's illegal war has reached its one-year mark, posing implications for Europe and democratic governments, as pointed out by the committee.

According to the report, the invasion aims to revert to an era of power-based decision-making and alter the international order.

Russia attempted to dismantle the post-Cold War security order and divide Europe.

The war marks a shift in security perceptions, leading to Sweden and Finland seeking NATO membership.

At the time of the report, up to 350,000 Russian armed forces remained on Ukrainian territory, indicating their sustained military operations.

According to the committee, Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has accelerated NATO’s return in focus to its original mission of deterrence and collective defence.

The steps taken since 2014 have been described by the NATO Secretary General as the most significant reinforcement of collective defence by the Alliance in a generation.

In Ukraine, 17.6 million people need some form of humanitarian assistance, including the 6.9 million people who have remained in their homes during the war, the 6.3 million people who are internally displaced, and the 4.4 million returnees. 

According to the committee, it is estimated that the total cost of recovery and reconstruction in Ukraine over a period of 10 years will amount to US$411 billion.

The report supports Ukraine's 10-point formula for peace, which includes the full withdrawal of Russian forces, accountability for aggression, and the prevention of future attacks.