'We are taking these actions today to stand against authoritarianism': Canada's Trudeau decries Russian aggression toward Ukraine

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Tuesday that in response to Russia's behavior toward Ukraine, Canada will levy sanctions as part of a "stand against authoritarianism."

"Russia's flagrant disregard for the independence of a sovereign nation is a serious threat to security and stability in the region and around the world," Trudeau said.

"Canada and our allies will defend democracy. We are taking these actions today to stand against authoritarianism. The people of Ukraine, like all people, must be free to determine their own future. We will continue working with our international partners to safeguard Ukraine's territorial integrity and prevent further Russian aggression," he continued.

Trudeau's comments come not long after he invoked emergency powers to help quash demonstrations in his own country where truckers had been engaging in blockades.

"That's kind of the pot calling the kettle black isn't it?" one person tweeted in response to Trudeau's comments about Russia.

"This is like North Korea denouncing dictatorships," someone else wrote.

"How in the world did he get through this with a straight face," another person questioned.

"Does he own a mirror?" someone asked.

According to the New York Times, Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered troops into separatist regions in Ukraine. Putin has recognized the areas as independent. Reuters reported that according to a decree, Putin has commanded his defense ministry to send forces to engage in "peacekeeping functions."