Zelensky makes a surprise stop on his trip to North America: In Canada, the Ukrainian president thanks Ottawa for the support – and is promised more in return.
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.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made a “long-term, multi-year commitment to Zelensky that will deliver predictable, sustained support for Ukraine” during Zelensky’s visit today. This included, among other things, 50 armored vehicles over the next three years and money to support mental health care.
“Moscow must lose once and for all”
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 bring genocide to Ukraine again and never tries to do so again. Moscow must lose once and for all,” said Zelensky, who appeared on video in March 2022 Canadian Parliament had spoken.
Zelenskyj had previously been received at Parliament by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. 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. The Ukrainian President, 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.” At a joint press conference after the speech, Zelensky confirmed that he wanted to continue pushing forward his plans for peace. A founding summit is currently being worked on for his “peace formula”, which demands, among other things, the inviolability of the Ukrainian borders.
After his visit to Ottawa – during which there was also an exchange between Trudeau and Zelenskyj as well as members of the government – Zelenskyj wanted to travel on to Toronto. Meetings with business representatives and members of the Ukrainian community were planned there. 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.
Zelensky’s first visit to Canada since the start of the war
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.
Source: Stern
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