Zelenskiy thanks Canada, says its assist helped save hundreds of lives

OTTAWA: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Friday provided a heartfelt because of Canada for its assist in the warfare in opposition to Russia, saying Ottawa’s assist had helped save hundreds of lives.

Zelenskiy made his remarks in a speech to the Parliament in Canada, the place the Liberal authorities of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has been probably the most vocal supporters of Ukraine’s protection in opposition to the Russian invasion of February 2022.

Because the starting of 2022, Canada has dedicated over C$8 billion ($5.9 billion) in assist to Ukraine, together with over C$1.8 billion in army help.

“Canadian assist for Ukraine with weapons and gear has allowed us to avoid wasting hundreds of lives,” mentioned Zelenskiy, making his first go to to Canada because the begin of the warfare.

Ukraine, Canada leaders talk about ‘long-term protection cooperation’

“Canada’s management in sanctions in opposition to Russia for this warfare and terror actually inspired others on this planet to observe your lead,” he mentioned to loud applause.

Though a counteroffensive by Ukrainian forces to reclaim territory occupied by Russian troops has slowed down, Zelenskiy reiterated feedback from final month wherein he predicted victory.

“In order that Russia won’t ever convey again genocide to Ukraine, and can by no means ever strive to take action, Moscow should lose as soon as and for all, and it’ll lose,” he mentioned.

Shortly earlier than Zelenskiy spoke, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau mentioned Canada would offer an additional C$650 million in army assist over three years to provide Ukraine with 50 armored automobiles. Ottawa would additionally ship trainers to assist Ukrainian pilots on western F-16 fighter jets, he mentioned.

“We are going to proceed to work with our companions together with inside NATO to offer unwavering assist. And we are going to proceed to offer financial assist to Ukraine over the following 12 months in order that it stays a robust, dynamic and affluent democratic nation,” Trudeau mentioned.

There are 1.4 million individuals of Ukrainian descent in Canada, the third most after Ukraine and Russia. Zelenskiy flew in from Washington the place he appealed to U.S. lawmakers on Thursday for continued assist amid doubts by some Republicans over whether or not Congress ought to approve extra assist.

Though there aren’t any such divisions in Canada, it doesn’t have the deep pockets or army reserves of america, Germany and different main backers.

Zelenskiy is because of converse at a information convention with Trudeau at 2:45 pm ET (1845 GMT) earlier than flying to Toronto to fulfill enterprise leaders after which deal with a rally.

Dozens of additional police have been on responsibility on Friday in central Ottawa, and roads resulting in Parliament Hill have been blocked off.

The Communications Safety Institution, Canada’s alerts intelligence company, warned the cybersecurity group in opposition to malicious threats.