After his visit to the USA, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj continues his trip abroad with a stopover in neighboring Canada.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will receive him in the capital Ottawa, the Canadian government surprisingly announced on Thursday evening. Zelenkyj is also scheduled to give a speech to parliament during his planned stay in the NATO country. The Ukrainian president will then travel to Toronto, where he will meet with Canadian business leaders.
Zelensky is traveling with his wife
This is Zelensky’s first visit to Canada since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. He had previously spoken to the Canadian Parliament via video. According to a statement, the Ukrainian was expected to arrive in the Canadian capital that night.
According to information from Ottawa, as on his trip to the USA, he will also be accompanied in Canada by his wife Olena Zelenska. Trudeau’s office said the reception of the guest from Kiev was intended to reaffirm Ukraine’s continued support in the defensive war against its neighbor Russia.
Trudeau: “Canada supports the Ukrainian people”
According to its own statements, Canada has provided Ukraine with more than 8.9 billion Canadian dollars (6.2 billion euros) since the beginning of the Russian war of aggression, around a fifth of which is military aid. Among other things, Leopard 2 tanks, air defense and artillery systems, armored vehicles and ammunition were delivered.
“Canada continues to unconditionally support the people of Ukraine in their struggle for their sovereignty and democracy, as well as our shared values such as respect for the rule of law, freedom and self-determination,” said Trudeau. He is looking forward to welcoming Zelenskyj to Canada.
Canada is considered an important supporter of Ukraine. According to its own information, the country provided the highest per capita financial aid in a G7 comparison. In addition, a military program was extended until 2026, with which more than 38,000 Ukrainian military and security personnel were trained by the Canadians. Since the Russian invasion, Canada has also taken in over 175,000 Ukrainians and imposed numerous sanctions against Russia.
