One of the prominent Liberals in foreign policy confirmed that portraying the Conservatives as lenient towards Ukraine does not help the country repel the Russian invasion.

Robert Oliphant, MP for Toronto and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs Mélanie Joly, a position that has him travel on her behalf to attend events domestically and internationally, told a Commons committee on Wednesday that he has no doubt that the Conservatives support Ukraine, and that "political games" do nothing to help that country.

His comments come after months of Liberals criticizing the Conservatives over their stance on a bill implementing the updated free trade agreement between Canada and Ukraine, which became law this week.

The Conservatives said they disagree with the language in the agreement that states both countries will enhance carbon pricing, and repeatedly claimed it would impose a carbon tax on Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed the updated agreement and his country already has a carbon price.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress also criticized the Conservatives for this stance, and Liberals launched attack ads on voting in the prairie regions with a large Ukrainian diaspora held by Conservative MPs.

Despite his party accusing the Conservatives of "turning their back on Ukraine," Oliphant said he does not believe that is true.

He added, "I believe Canadians' commitment (to Ukraine) is unwavering - and despite the political games we play, I believe the opposition's commitment is unwavering."

"I might have trouble saying that, but I really believe it. And we will only move forward if we do so, and not manipulate this."

Analysts have repeatedly said that Moscow seeks to drive a wedge between Western countries and within them regarding the level of support for Ukraine.

In response to a question about his comments, Oliphant clarified that he feels the Conservatives remain part of the problem.

He said in a text message: "While the Conservatives advocate free trade and carbon pricing policies, they are more likely to support Ukraine in its war with Russia."

Meanwhile, Ukraine's Ambassador to Canada told MPs that she believes sanctions have a real impact on Russia, but raised concerns about Canadian military equipment that still finds its way into Moscow's hands.