Kyiv: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visited Kyiv, Ukraine on Sunday, and met President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, amid the ongoing Russian invasion.
The Prime Minister was accompanied by the Deputy Prime Minister, Chrystia Freeland, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mélanie Joly.
“As Russia continues its ongoing illegal and unjustifiable war against Ukraine, Canada will continue to be there to support Ukraine and its people,” Trudeau was quoted as saying by the official website of the PM.
“I would like to thank President Zelenskyy for hosting this visit, but also more importantly, for his leadership,” he said.
“Together with Ukrainians, President Zelenskyy is defending the values at the very heart of democracies. His courage and the courage of Ukrainians are inspiring, and we will continue to do everything we can to make sure Ukraine gets the support it needs,” the Canadian leader said.
Earlier today, the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Foreign Affairs participated in a flag raising ceremony to mark the re-opening of the Canadian Embassy in Ukraine.
Diplomatic operations in Kyiv, Ukraine as part of a gradual restoration of Canada’s full diplomatic presence and services would reportedly be resumed by Ambassador Larisa Galadza, together with a team of additional staff members.
Consular and immigration services, until further notice, will continue to be provided in Poland and many other European cities in the region, read the statement issued on the official website of the PM.
“Prime Minister Trudeau also visited Irpin, where he witnessed firsthand the reckless brutality of Vladimir Putin’s illegal war,” read the statement.
“Russian forces have terrorized and killed civilians and destroyed homes and neighborhoods,” it said.
The Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and President Zelenskyy discussed in a bilateral meeting, the historic partnership between their two countries, the situation in Ukraine, and the need for additional international support, including humanitarian, financial, and military assistance.
Global efforts to impose severe and lasting sanctions on Russia in response to President Putin’s invasion of Ukraine were also discussed by the two leaders.
Reiterating Canada’s unwavering support for Ukraine, Prime Minister Trudeau also committed to helping in any way possible.
During his visit, Trudeau and Zelenskyy participated in a G7 Leaders’ meeting.
Together with leaders from the G7, the Prime Minister and President commemorated the end of the Second World War in Europe.
“The leaders condemned President Putin’s unprovoked, unjustifiable and illegal war, and Russia’s horrendous attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure,” read the statement.
The G7 reiterated its steadfast military, financial, and diplomatic support for Ukraine and committed to phasing out reliance on Russian energy, imposing additional sanctions, combatting Russian propaganda, and addressing the international challenges caused by President Putin’s war – particularly global food security.
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