The Canadian ambassador to Russia said that while Ottawa has "serious concerns" about the Kremlin's "long-term trends" regarding human rights violations and democratic development, the war in Ukraine is the "main obstacle to changing the relationship."

During her first television interview since taking office last November, Sarah Taylor told CTV’s question period host, Vassy Kapelos, that diplomatic relations are "not a gift we give to friends," but rather "a tool we use to promote Canadian interests."

She added, "The Russians describe us as an unfriendly state; that’s the term they use." "But I mean, from my perspective, we are not unfriendly; we are just waiting for them to change their policy."

Taylor, whose interview will air on Sunday at 11 AM Eastern Time, described her interactions with Russian officials as "formal" and "very correct," although they are "extremely limited."

She said, "Of course, the starting point must be our very strong opposition to the Russian war, which is illegal and unjustified, in Ukraine."

Canada has condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine since it began in February 2022. Over the past decade, Canada has imposed sanctions on nearly 700 entities and more than 1,500 Russian individuals, including last month, in an effort to undermine Russia's influence and its ability to procure arms from North Korea.

Taylor said, "If they end this war, it is clear, you know, that our relations would be based on a completely different foundation." "And that is actually what dominates the discussions."

When asked if the Russian invasion of Ukraine is the only issue preventing improved relations between the Kremlin and Ottawa, Taylor stated that ending the war would not rectify years of mistakes, but it is a non-negotiable starting point for Canada.

She added, "We can't even think about moving on to another place until the war ends and Ukraine's sovereignty and borders and territorial integrity are respected."

Taylor said that although measuring public opinion among ordinary Russians is challenging – especially since many who have spoken out against the government have been imprisoned or silenced – she feels hope among many for an end to the war.

The ambassador noted that aside from the war in Ukraine, the "most concerning trend" in Russia for the Canadian government is the suppression of freedom of expression, human rights, and good governance.

Meanwhile, the U.S. has allowed Ukraine to use its weapons to strike some targets inside Russian territory, specifically in areas along the border near Kharkiv, where Russia is making advances.

This week, Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly suggested that Canada support this policy, which Taylor described as "a very significant decision."

She added, "It somewhat highlights the hypocrisy of the stance taken by (Russian President Vladimir) Putin, as he created this kind of imaginary red line that legally purchased weapons cannot somehow be used in a war that Ukraine is fighting." "There is no rule in international law stating that a country cannot use weapons it has bought elsewhere."

She continued, "At the same time, of course, Russia itself is using weapons it purchased from Iran and North Korea." "And unlike Ukraine, they were actually purchased illegally, which violates UN sanctions."