Canadian PM Trudeau makes surprise trip to Kyiv

Photo: REUTERS/ Valentyn Ogirenko

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On June 10, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau unexpectedly arrived in the capital of Ukraine.

The photos of the Canadian Prime Minister in Kyiv appeared on social networks and in the Canadian mass media.

It is known that the Prime Minister of Canada is in Ukraine with Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, who is of Ukrainian origin.

^{Photo: REUTERS/Valentyn Ogirenko}

It should be noted that the visit of the head of the Canadian government was not announced, like most visits of Western government officials, for security reasons.

^{Photo: REUTERS/Valentyn Ogirenko}

^{Photo: REUTERS/Valentyn Ogirenko}

In Kyiv, Trudeau began his visit by laying wreaths at the Wall of Remembrance, dedicated to those who died in the Russian-Ukrainian war.

^{Photo: REUTERS/Valentyn Ogirenko}

The purpose of Trudeau's visit was not disclosed. However, the Canadian prime minister will likely discuss with Zelensky assistance for the residents of the Kherson region and Ukrainian troops, who are about to launch a large-scale counteroffensive along the entire front line.

This is Trudeau's second visit to Ukraine since the beginning of the Russian Federation's large-scale war against Ukraine, launched in February 2022. Trudeau last visited Ukraine in May 2022.

It should be noted that in May 2023, President Zelensky had a telephone conversation with Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau. During the conversation, they discussed the long-term defense cooperation program and noted the beginning of the confiscation of Russian assets in Canada.

What is known about Canada's aid to Ukraine

Trudeau has repeatedly stated that Canada will continue to support Ukraine in the fight against Russian aggression. He assured us that he had no doubts about the victory of Ukraine.

As reported, as part of the latest package of military aid in March, Canada will transfer to Ukraine:

• about 8,000 155-millimeter ammunition,
• 12 anti-aircraft missiles from the reserves of the Canadian armed forces to support air defense systems,
• Over 1,800 rounds of training ammunition for 105 mm guns to support the transfer of Leopard 1 tanks by Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands.

In addition, the country has begun the delivery of additional Leopard 2 main battle tanks. Canada has provided Ukraine with 8 Leopard 2 main battle tanks.

Canada also sent Bergepanzer 3 armored repair and evacuation vehicles to Ukraine. The armored vehicles are designed to evacuate damaged equipment from the battlefield.

In addition, at the end of April, the Canadian government announced the provision of new military aid to Ukraine in the amount of 39 million Canadian dollars (28.9 million US dollars).

As Rubryka wrote, Canada has approved the temporary cancellation of import duties on Ukrainian products for another year until June 9, 2024.