Talk about your awkward moments. In 2014, Russia launched an invasion of the Ukraine just days after the Sochi Winter Olympics ended. Snipers were firing on protestors in Kiev. Bodies were lying in the streets. And on what was the bloodiest day of the invasion so far, Justin Trudeau appeared on the popular current affairs program Tout le monde en parle.
As they discussed the violence in the Ukraine, Justin decided this was the perfect time to make a joke about the fact that Canada had recently beat Russia in hockey. “They’re gonna be in a bad mood!” he chirped, clearly pleased with himself for being so witty.
What followed is excruciating to watch. The host all but glares at him, asking, “Just because of hockey?” Justin stammered that he was trying to “add some levity.” At which point, one of the other panellists cut in, reminding Justin just how serious the situation in the Ukraine was. “It could turn into a massacre,” he warned. And it did. The ambassador from the Ukraine didn’t think Justin’s comments were particularly funny either. He would later demand, and receive, an apology.
As it turns out, Justin was only warming up. Justin Trudeau, diplomat extraordinaire!