MOSCOW, February 28. /TASS/. Canada’s ambassador in Moscow Alison LeClair was summoned to the Russian Foreign Ministry on Monday over hostile demonstrations in front of Russia’s embassy in Ottawa and consulates-general in Montreal and Toronto, the Russian Foreign Ministry has said.
"On February 28, a strong protest was expressed to Canada’s ambassador in Russia Alison LeClair over hostile demonstrations by aggressive elements in front of the Russian embassy in Ottawa and also Russia’s consulates-general in Montreal and Toronto," the Foreign Ministry said.
"The head of the Canadian diplomatic mission was handed Russia’s demand to the effect prompt and exhaustive measures be taken to maintain the proper security of Russian diplomatic missions’ staffers and their families in accordance with Canada’s international obligations. Otherwise, the Russian Foreign Ministry reserves the right to take retaliatory moves," the Foreign Ministry said.
Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 24 launched a special military operation in Ukraine following a request for assistance from the leaders of the Donbass republics. He said Moscow had no plans for an occupation of Ukrainian territories. The sole purpose of the operation is Ukraine’s demilitarization and denazification. The Russian Defense Ministry says its forces are not attacking cities. Their focus is entirely on military infrastructures. The civilian population is not in danger.