Letters: Trump depraved to try to deport Ukrainian war refugees

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How much depravity must we endure? Politically. we may disagree. But the latest actions by U.S. President Donald Trump should not be considered simply a difference of opinion.

The shameful attacks by Trump and U.S. Vice-President JD Vance on Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was one of the most disgraceful things ever witnessed. Berating Zelenskyy and Ukraine fighting for their lives against Russia’s genocidal war is an act of betrayal and dishonesty.

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Now, Reuters/Forbes/Newsweek are all reporting Trump intends to yank temporary legal status granted by former U.S. president Joe Biden to approximately 240,000 Ukrainians, “fast-tracking” them for deportation. Why? To force President Zelenskyy to capitulate?

Trump is helping the invader by cutting military support to Zelenskyy, and to even consider deporting refugees is one step too far.

Morally, this is simply not forgivable. Demonstrating fealty to Russian President Vladimir Putin, and a traitorous response to Ukraine. Canada, Europe and other democracies should no longer doubt Trump’s motivation.

These refugees — 240,000 Ukrainian citizens — are not criminals, drug dealers or rapists. They are women and children.

Remember Trump’s administration offered preferential refugee status for Afrikaners from South Africa, with which some disagreed? Or his deporting of people of other nationalities as criminals, rapists, etc.? This is not Americans nor Republicans. This is all Trump.

The U.S. Government has yet to vote on any bills. Every action is by executive order. A dictator on Day 1. Claiming Ukraine is not ready for peace is a bald-faced lie. It is Putin who does not want peace. It is Putin who started the war.

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Robert Bandurka, Humboldt

Trade war worst for workers

U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade war is bad for Canada’s economy. With any economic threat, workers stand to be hit hardest. First, solutions on the home front must include workers. As the saying goes: If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu.

The buzz around removing interprovincial trade barriers is an example. Few real examples of these trade barriers exist in 2025. Too often, it’s a weasel word for axing regulation and “red tape” to bolster corporate profits at the expense of worker safety and job security.

Second, unelected billionaires are merrily dismantling American democracy and public services. Don’t think they won’t exploit the crisis to do the very same in Canada.

Finally, workers deserve to see every premier get on the ice, elbows up, for the same team — Team Canada. Will Premier Scott Moe lace up his skates one last time for the home team, or keep warming the bench? In the spirit of comedian Red Green, keep your stick on the ice, everybody. We’re all in this together.

Lori Johb, LeRoy

(Johb is President of the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour.)

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