Zelensky arrives in Canada on unannounced visit
Фото: Ілюстративне /ОПУ
Canada's PM Justin Trudeau's office announces that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has arrived in the state for an unannounced visit.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said his country "will continue to stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes" in a statement released by his office Thursday night.
The two leaders will continue to work closely together to strengthen ties between our countries and help ensure the Ukrainian people can continue to defend themselves against Russia's brutal and unjustifiable invasion, the press release said.
Trudeau will meet with Zelensky in Ottawa "to reiterate Canada's ongoing military, economic, humanitarian, and development support for Ukraine as it continues to defend itself against Russia's brutal war of aggression."
They will also participate in the agreement's signing ceremony, which will continue to strengthen economic ties between the two countries. In Ottawa, Zelensky will deliver a speech to parliament.
The leaders will then travel to Toronto to meet with Canadian business leaders to "strengthen private sector investment in Ukraine's future."
Afterward, Prime Minister Trudeau and President Zelensky will attend an event with the Ukrainian Canadian community.
Since January 2022, Canada "has committed more than $8.9 billion in multifaceted support to Ukraine, including $4.95 billion in direct financial support and over $1.8 billion in military aid ranging from Leopard 2 tanks and air defense and artillery systems to armored vehicles, ammunition, and more," the Canadian Prime Minister's office said.
"Budget 2023 extended a $2.4 billion loan to the Government of Ukraine for this year to support Ukraine's budgetary needs," his office added.
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky is visiting Washington, DC, on Thursday, September 21. He met with Speaker of the House of Representatives Kevin McCarthy, House Republican Party Leader Steve Scalise, and House Democratic Party Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
During a meeting with US congressmen in the Capitol, Zelensky urged them to approve additional funding for Ukraine.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin confirmed that the US will continue to work actively with Ukraine and its allies and partners to provide the Ukrainian army with everything it needs to succeed on the battlefield.
Late in the evening, Zelensky arrived at the White House to hold a meeting and talk with President Biden.
The US has provided a $325 million military aid package, including AIM-9M missiles for air defense, Avenger air defense systems, additional ammunition for HIMARS, and several other weapons.
However, the new aid will not include the Army's ATACMS tactical missile systems, which would help Ukrainian soldiers strike enemy targets at long range.
