Visit to Canada
Trudeau extends aid, Zelensky thanks him
September 22, 2023, 10:03 p.m
Less demanding, showing more gratitude – on his trip to North America, Ukrainian President Zelenskyj shows a change in communication. During his surprise visit to Canada, Prime Minister Trudeau guarantees him years of support.
On his first visit to Canada since the start of the Russian war of aggression on his country, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj thanked Ottawa for the support – and was assured of further help. During his visit, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made a “long-term, multi-year commitment to Zelensky that will deliver predictable, sustained support for Ukraine.” This included, among other things, 50 armored vehicles over the next three years and money to support mental health care.
In a speech to parliament, which was met with standing applause and cheers, Zelensky thanked Ottawa profusely for the help so far. “Canada’s support of Ukraine with weapons and equipment has allowed us to save thousands of lives,” said the president, who was accompanied by his wife Olena Zelenska.
“Russian aggression must end with our victory, so that Russia can never again bring genocide to Ukraine and never tries to do so again. Moscow must lose once and for all,” said Zelensky, who spoke to the Canadian government via video in March 2022 Parliament had spoken. Zelenskyj had previously been received at Parliament by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
“Exciting day for Canada”
Trudeau said it was a “very exciting day for Canada” and he was pleased to be able to personally convey Canadians’ “strong and unequivocal support” to Zelensky. Zelensky, in turn, conveyed the thanks of the Ukrainians to him. Canada is a beautiful country, Zelenskyj continued. “I know it’s beautiful, but of course I don’t have time to see it now. After the win we’ll definitely come back, maybe with the children.”
There was then an exchange between the two, which was also attended by members of the Canadian government. After his speech in parliament, Zelensky wanted to travel to Toronto and meet with business representatives and members of the Ukrainian community. Canada is considered an important supporter of Ukraine and says it has provided the country with more than 8.9 billion Canadian dollars (6.2 billion euros) since the beginning of the Russian war of aggression.
A surprise visit was announced
This is Zelenskyj’s first visit to Canada since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022 – and the third stop on his North American trip. Zelenskyj arrived in New York on Monday for the UN General Assembly and visited Washington on Thursday, where he was received by US President Joe Biden at the White House, among others.
The additional stop in Canada was surprisingly announced on Friday night. Part of his mission at previous stops was to convince war-weary skeptics of his course and to explain why talks with Moscow are unthinkable for him at this point. Zelensky appeared less demanding than on previous occasions and, above all, emphasized his gratitude.