Zelensky Thanks Canada for Continuing Support of Ukraine

OTTAWA - Addressing a joint session of Parliament, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy offered repeated thanks to Canada for our continued support for his country as it continues to defend itself from Russia's illegal invasion.

His speech was the marquee event of his visit to Canada, and he used the opportunity to make his case for why persisting allegiance is needed. Speaking to a rapt crowd that gave him frequent applause, he said Canada's assistance so far has saved thousands of lives, and is helping strip Russian President Vladimir Putin from the ability to use energy as a weapon of war. "This Russian aggression must end with our victory," Zelenskyy told the House of Commons, after painting a grim picture of the kinds of horrors seen on the streets in the last 19 months.

During the visit, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Canada will be making a $650 million "multi-year commitment that provides predictable, steady support to Ukraine," which will include sending more armoured vehicles, as well as other mental health and charity funding boosts. Canada has also levelled new sanctions against Russia.

"In this era of uncertainty and of resurgent great power competition, rules are what will protect us… History will judge us on how we defend democratic values and Ukraine is at the tip of the spear in this great challenge of the 21st century," Trudeau said, introducing the Ukrainian leader.

This visit - Zelensky's first since Putin's February 2022 invasion of Ukraine - is being held under tight security, and follows stops at the White House in Washington, D.C., and United Nations General Assembly in New York City. Accompanied by the First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska, prior to, and after his address, the couple made a series of stops alongside Trudeau and members of cabinet, in Ottawa.

This is a test.


- 0 -
Click Here to Close This Window