Thank you very much. This is a question that deserves far more time than we will be allowed in this format.

However, we are gravely concerned with what we are now seeing unfold in Ukraine. The deployment of North Korean soldiers and arms in that conflict is not only strongly contradictory regarding the UN sanctions against North Korea, but also an unnecessary and serious escalation of that conflict.

I know it is deeply concerning to the Republic of Korea and all of us who support Ukraine.

We are seeing some deterioration in the battle environment in Ukraine; this requires a strong and immediate response. There’s a great deal of concern being expressed about changes in the political environment, and not just in the United States. For example, we’ve recently seen some real challenges regarding Germany’s support, as well as that of some of our other NATO allies.

Regarding your important question on what Canada is going to do in support, one of the things I mentioned earlier is that Canada played a significant role in training Ukrainian soldiers; that training has continued. We do it in partnership with a number of our allies, particularly the United Kingdom.

What we’ve heard clearly from the Ukrainians, because they’re changing their conscription rules and bringing a large cohort of new Ukrainian soldiers into the fight, is that they want that training to take place either in or closer to Ukraine. Canada is playing an important, significant and leading role in working out how that can be accomplished.

I apologize, senator, but I would not claim any particular insight into what the new administration may or may not do.

I have followed the political rhetoric as well. I find sometimes there’s a disconnect between political rhetoric during an election and what people actually think is the right thing to do.

One thing I will share is this: I have worked with the United States for decades in a number of different fora. I have great confidence in the institutions that make up America, including their Department of State, Department of Defense and Department of Justice. Because of that confidence, I believe America will do the right thing.