The Verkhovna Rada urged Canada not to present a film about Russian occupiers at the festival.

The film by Russian-Canadian director Anastasia Trofimova titled "Russians at War" is set to be screened at the Toronto International Film Festival. However, the Verkhovna Rada has sent a letter to the Canadian Parliament urging not to allow the screening of this film.

The deputies argue that this film is a vivid example of Russian propaganda, although it tries to appear "anti-war." According to the deputies, the film shows only isolated episodes of real battles and does not depict the entire destructive activity of the Russian army in Ukraine. Moreover, the director does not mention the occupation of Crimea and refuses to recognize the war crimes of the Russians.

It is also noted that the film received $340,000 in funding from the Canada Media Fund, which is financed by the government. Deputies believe that this means Canadian taxpayers have sponsored Russian propaganda.

«We urge you to step up and use all parliamentary means to prevent the screening of the film "Russians at War" at the Toronto International Film Festival,» the letter from the deputies says.

Earlier, this film was already screened at the Venice Film Festival. The description emphasized that it tells the stories of Russian soldiers, which help better understand the war.

Anastasia Trofimova previously worked for the Russian media network Russia Today, which the United States sanctioned for interfering in the presidential elections. In her comments on the film, the director said she did not see war crimes committed by Russian soldiers while in the combat zone. The film ignores the rapes, torture, and murders committed by the occupiers. The film was also shown at the Venice Film Festival.

Later, Kyiv protested against the screening of the film "Russians at War" at the Toronto International Film Festival, said the Consul General of Ukraine in Toronto, Oleg Nikolenko.