Canadian Lawmaker Criticizes Trump Over Ukraine Policy and Alleged Russian Ties

OTTAWA — In a pointed critique of former President Donald J. Trump, Canadian Member of Parliament Charlie Angus, who also leads the financial analysis group Midas Canada, has accused Mr. Trump of longstanding financial and political ties to Russia that, according to Angus, have influenced his approach to Ukraine and broader foreign policy.

Speaking to supporters in a recent online broadcast, Mr. Angus traced what he described as a decades-long pattern of Trump’s engagement with Russian interests. He cited Trump’s first visit to the country in 1987, during which he was invited by InTourist, a Soviet-era travel agency allegedly affiliated with the KGB, a claim supported by statements from former intelligence officials. “Everything was under 24-hour security and cameras,” Angus said. “Their interest was only one thing: to collect information to use in the future.”

Angus highlighted the former president’s interactions with Russian officials and business figures throughout the 1980s, 1990s, and into his political career. He cited real estate transactions in Trump Tower that involved individuals later tied to Russian organized crime, and referenced investigations, including the FBI’s 2013 crackdown on a major money-laundering operation located beneath Trump’s Manhattan offices. According to Angus, these financial relationships laid the groundwork for Trump’s political alliances and policy decisions.

Turning to foreign policy, Angus focused on Trump’s handling of Ukraine. He criticized the former president for actions that he said undermined Ukrainian sovereignty, including cutting military and economic aid and reducing U.S. intelligence support for monitoring Russian cyber operations. Angus likened Trump’s approach to historical instances of appeasement, drawing parallels to European diplomacy preceding World War II, and argued that Western allies must remain united in supporting Ukraine’s independence.

The Canadian lawmaker also referenced the 2016 U.S. presidential campaign, pointing to Trump campaign officials who were later convicted or investigated for misleading authorities about contacts with Russian nationals. He highlighted meetings in Trump Tower where Russian operatives offered information on political opponents, noting that such interactions fueled concerns about Russian influence in U.S. politics.

Angus concluded that Trump’s perceived alignment with Russian interests, combined with his actions toward Ukraine, reflects broader risks to democratic governance. He urged coordinated international responses, emphasizing the role of NATO allies and Western democracies in countering Russian influence. “If Ukraine falls, the Baltic states are next,” he warned, citing potential consequences for Canada and other allied nations.

Experts on Russian affairs have noted that Trump’s business dealings and campaign contacts have long been scrutinized by both U.S. and European intelligence agencies. The so-called Steele dossier, compiled by former British intelligence officer Christopher Steele, raised questions about Trump’s financial and political ties to Russian actors, though many of its claims remain unverified or contested.

While Angus’s assertions have drawn attention in Canada and internationally, officials in Washington have not publicly responded to his comments. The former president, who continues to be active in American politics, has repeatedly denied wrongdoing in any dealings with Russian individuals or governments.

As the conflict in Ukraine continues and global geopolitical tensions persist, Mr. Angus’s critique underscores enduring concerns over foreign influence and the responsibilities of political leaders to safeguard national security.