Освобожденные из плена на Украине россияне рассказали о многочисленных фактах насилия

Mr. Eugene Czolij: Thank you very much for giving me this op‐ portunity. 

Just like you, I was totally appalled by the statements of Mr. Robinson. I'm ashamed that he stated that in front of this committee. He shamed this hearing with that statement by trying to equate what is being done by the Ukrainian army and what is being done by the Russian army. The Ukrainian army fights in accordance with international law. The Russian army violates every international principle on a daily basis.

Everything that comes out of Putin's mouth is a blatant lie. He lies as he breathes. To relay and to equate the victim with the aggressor is to do a total injustice to and to shame a process where people like you are looking for ways to stop a genocidal war. I'd like to quote South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and I'd like Mr. Robinson to remember this. He said when injustice is being committed and you remain neutral, you have sided with the oppressor.

Through Mr. Robinson's statement before this committee, alleging without any reliable evidence and stating that the atrocities are committed by both sides, he has essentially sided with the oppressor before this committee. That is a shame.

Ms. Heather McPherson: Thank you very much, Mr. Czolij. I agree with you wholeheartedly.

Prof. Paul Robinson: May I be allowed a right of reply?

Ms. Heather McPherson: No, thank you. I would like to just end my questioning by saying that the New Democratic Party certainly stands with the people of Ukraine and recognizes the invasion by the Russian Federation into Ukraine and the illegal actions being done to the people of Ukraine right now. I will end my testimony at this point. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

The Vice-Chair (Mr. Michael Cooper): Thank you, Ms. McPherson. I've been very generous with time to the witnesses. I see that Mr. Robinson did want to say something—

Ms. Heather McPherson: I would not—

The Vice-Chair (Mr. Michael Cooper): If he wishes to do so, I will exercise—

Ms. Heather McPherson: Do not do that with my time.

The Vice-Chair (Mr. Michael Cooper): —my prerogative as chair to give him that time, so—

Ms. Heather McPherson: No. You don't have.... I'm sorry. I challenge the chair.

The Vice-Chair (Mr. Michael Cooper): Okay. The chair has been challenged.

Ms. Heather McPherson: That is not your right.

The Vice-Chair (Mr. Michael Cooper): I believe it is, but you have every right to challenge the chair.

Mr. James Stewart: May I speak, Mr. Chair?

The Clerk of the Committee (Ms. Erica Pereira): Mr. Chair, if it's okay with you, I'll proceed to a recorded division.

The Vice-Chair (Mr. Michael Cooper): We'll proceed to a recorded vote.

(Ruling of the chair overturned: nays 4; yeas 1)

The Vice-Chair (Mr. Michael Cooper): Thank you very much.