Power & Politics Cartel violence strands thousands of Canadians in Mexico
Feb 23, 2026
Cameron McKay, Canada’s ambassador to Mexico, gives on-the-ground consular updates amid cartel violence. Andrii Plakhotniuk, Ukraine’s ambassador to Canada, outlines urgent defence and energy needs on the war’s fourth anniversary. Rob Russo, Kate Harrison and Brad Levine offer sharp political analysis on trade, tariffs and party discipline. Multiple short conversations cover travel safety, diplomacy and shifting political power.
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Coordinate Donations To Match Ukraine’s Technical Needs
- Boost defense industry cooperation and donations to purchase Western-compatible equipment rather than only sending incompatible gear.
- Plakhotniuk urged Canada to support programs like Pearl and coordinate with European partners for technically suitable energy supplies.
Ukraine Seeks Defense Industry Partnership Not Just Aid
- Ukraine wants to shift from aid recipient to defense industry partner by co-producing items like drones under initiatives such as Built With Ukraine.
- Plakhotniuk highlighted defense industry cooperation as strategically valuable for both countries.
Russia Is Doubling Down On Disinformation
- Russian disinformation is a sophisticated, well-funded toolbox aimed at foreign audiences and Ukrainian refugees.
- Plakhotniuk warned Russia increased its budget for propaganda in 2026 and urged allied fact-checking and information-sharing.