Ukrainian President Zelensky arrived in Canada on Wednesday to begin a three-day visit, marking his second visit to Canada within nine months. Currently, Ukraine is facing fierce attacks from Russia, and Zelensky hopes to garner more international support.
According to a statement released by the Canadian Prime Minister’s Office on Wednesday, Zelensky will stay in Canada from Wednesday to Friday and will attend events in Calgary, Toronto, and North Bay with his wife Olena Zelenska.
Zelensky arrived in Calgary on Wednesday night and is scheduled to meet with Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau on Thursday, followed by a speech to the Liberal cabinet in the nearby resort town of Banff.
Trudeau stated in the announcement, “This visit highlights Canada’s ongoing leadership role in supporting Ukraine and demonstrates our steadfast commitment to a just, lasting peace.”
The statement mentioned that this visit will focus on the “shared priorities” between Canada and Ukraine, including deepening defense, economic, and energy cooperation. “It will also address the casualties caused by Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, and strengthen the relationship between our two nations.”
Zelensky’s most recent visit to Canada was in December last year when he met with Trudeau in Halifax before traveling to the United States for talks focusing on ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Trudeau made his first official visit to Ukraine in August last year, during which he visited Kyiv, reiterated Canada’s support for Ukraine, and announced details of an additional $2 billion military aid package.
Zelensky’s current itinerary was briefly delayed as a result of drone intrusions that led to the closure of Moldova’s airspace on Tuesday afternoon, delaying the departure of three flights, including the one Zelensky was on.
In Ukraine, Russia’s continued fierce airstrikes have prompted the Kyiv government to appeal to the international community for more air defense support.
Before heading to Canada, Zelensky criticized the international community for not taking a tougher stance against Russia’s escalating bombing of civilian areas in Ukraine.