Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Friday offered a heartfelt thanks to Canada for its assistance in the war against Russia, saying Ottawa’s aid had helped save thousands of lives.
“Canadian support for Ukraine with weapons and equipment has allowed us to save thousands of lives,” said Zelenskiy, making his first visit to Canada since the start of the war.
“Canada’s leadership in sanctions against Russia for this war and terror really encouraged others in the world to follow your lead,” he said to loud applause.
“So that Russia will never bring back genocide to Ukraine, and will never ever try to do so, Moscow must lose once and for all, and it will lose,” he said.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Canada would be offering an extra C$650 million in military aid over three years to supply Ukraine with 50 armored vehicles. Ottawa would also send trainers to help Ukrainian pilots on western F-16 fighter jets.
Canada will provide what Trudeau called substantial macroeconomic support in 2024, but he gave no details.
“Canada’s support for Ukraine is unequivocal and always will be,” he told a joint news conference.
“Ukraine is standing up and fighting and dying for the rules-based order that protects all of us. It is in Canadians’ interests to ensure that Ukraine wins this war.”
