VICTORIAVILLE, Que. - Prime Minister Stephen Harper says he is encouraged by a comprehensive peace deal reached today between Ukraine and Russia, but says he is being cautious about whether Russia will honour it.
The peace deal was hammered out today following all-night negotiations between Russia, Ukraine, France and Germany at a summit in Belarus.
Part of the agreement envisages a ceasefire that will be effective starting this weekend.
Speaking to reporters in Victoriaville, Que. today, Harper says Russian President Vladimir Putin has violated previous agreements.
As a result, Harper says he will remain skeptical and plans to judge Putin on his actions, not his agreements.
Harper said earlier this week Canada was hopeful for a diplomatic resolution to the Ukraine crisis, but reaffirmed today Canada is keeping options open to help Ukraine should the situation escalate again.
