Freeland states ‘grave concerns’ over TIFF film about Russian soldiers [Video]

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland says the Ukrainian community and Ukrainian diplomats have shared their concerns about the screening of Russians at War at the Toronto International Film Festival. She added that it’s not right for Canadian public money to support the screening and production of a film like this.

Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland is denouncing a documentary about Russian soldiers screening at the Toronto International Film festival (TIFF) this year.

Speaking with reporters Tuesday, Freeland — who is of Ukrainian heritage — noted that both diplomats and the Canadian-Ukrainian community have expressed “grave concerns” about the film Russians at War.

“I share those concerns,” Freeland said. “It’s not right for Canadian public money to be supporting the screening and production of a film like this.”

It’s unclear whether Freeland has seen the documentary.

The film’s synopsis on TIFF’s website says it depicts soldiers’ disillusionment with the war as they learn the story they were sold in …