Status: 22/09/2023, 08:22 a.m.
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Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (l) greets Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his wife Olena Zelenska on their arrival at Ottawa airport. © Justin Tang/Canadian Press via ZUMA Press/dpa
In terms of population, no G7 country is said to have provided Ukraine with more money than Canada. Zelensky is now expected there for the first time since the start of the war.
Ottawa - After his visit to the United States, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy 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. During the planned stay in the NATO country, a speech by Zelenkyj in front of parliament is also planned. After that, the Ukrainian president will travel on to Toronto, where he will meet with Canadian business leaders.
Zelensky travels accompanied by his wife
This is Zelenskyy's first visit to Canada since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. According to a statement, the Ukrainian should arrive in the Canadian capital during the night.
As on his trip to the USA, he will also be accompanied in Canada by his wife Olena Zelenska, according to information from Ottawa. The reception of the guest from Kiev is intended to reaffirm Ukraine's continued support in the defensive war against neighboring Russia, Trudeau's office said.
Trudeau: "Canada supports the Ukrainian people"
Canada says it has provided Ukraine with more than 8.9 billion Canadian dollars (6.2 billion euros) since the beginning of Russia's war of aggression, about 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 fully support the Ukrainian people 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," Trudeau said. He said he was pleased to welcome Zelensky to Canada.
Canada is considered an important supporter of Ukraine. In a G7 comparison, the country claims to have provided the highest per capita financial assistance. In addition, a military program was extended until 2026, with which more than 38,000 Ukrainian military and security forces were trained by the Canadians. Since the Russian invasion, Canada has also taken in over 175,000 Ukrainians and imposed numerous sanctions on Russia. Dpa