In a speech to parliamentarians in Ottawa on Friday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warmly thanked Canada for its support “which saved thousands of lives” during the Russian invasion, while asking for recognition of the “genocide” of his people.
“I thank you, Canada,” the president, dressed all in khaki, said in French, provoking a shower of applause in a House of Commons packed to the brim with elected officials, senators, and other guests, including Ukrainian refugees.
Before leaving his small lectern to embrace Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Volodymyr Zelensky made a point of multiplying messages of gratitude to the country which had just, a few minutes earlier, promised him 50 additional armored vehicles, increasing its total aid to more than 9 and a half billion dollars.
“I had no doubt that you would choose the side of freedom, of justice, when Russia launched widespread aggression against Ukraine. But it’s never enough to choose the right side, you also have to be able to be a leader. And you are a leader, a leader,” said the strongman of Ukraine.
Recognize the “genocide”
President Zelensky insisted at length on presenting “what the Russian occupiers are doing in Ukraine” as “genocide”. “Can we accept that our identity is erased? No,” he illustrated.
He recalled the 90th anniversary of the Holodomor, the great Ukrainian famine orchestrated by the Kremlin. “For Russia to never commit genocide in Ukraine again or try to do so, Moscow must lose once and for all. And Moscow will lose! “, Mr. Zelensky said.
According to him, it is “immoral” for countries to adopt a position of neutrality, a trap into which Canada has not fallen. “Canada’s leadership in sanctions with Russia has encouraged the world to follow your lead. »
Volodymyr Zelensky insisted on the need to bring Russian war criminals to international justice.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was the first to speak. “I have seen with my own eyes the destructive evil inflicted by [Vladimir] Putin during my visits to Ukraine since the start of the war. I saw neighborhoods bombed, bridges reduced to steel ruins as well as abandoned houses. I also saw this pain in the faces of the citizens of your country,” he testified.
He reiterated that Canada will be at his side “as long as it takes.” He concluded by saying “Slava Ukraini!” » (“Glory to Ukraine!”), provoking an ovation.
Prime Minister Trudeau announced that Canada will send 50 additional armored vehicles, including medical evacuation vehicles, built by “Canadian workers, in London, Ontario.” Aid to Ukraine will thus be increased by $650 million over three years.
The Canadian Prime Minister warned the audience against concluding a “false peace based on a compromise imposed by the aggressor”. “For lasting peace, we must oppose Putin and reject his attempts to return us to a time when might is law. A lasting peace must make it clear that borders must be respected, no matter the size of the neighbor’s army. »
So far, Canada’s aid to Ukraine has amounted to $8.9 billion, including $1.8 billion in military aid. Ottawa has supplied Kiev with air defense systems, artillery, armored vehicles and a handful of Leopard 2 assault tanks.
Busy visit
The Ukrainian president began his visit to Canada on Thursday evening, the first since the Russian invasion of his country in winter 2022. He was welcomed on the tarmac of Ottawa airport by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who reiterated Canada’s “unwavering support” in its conflict with Russia.
President Zelensky met with Governor General Mary Simon on Friday morning before traveling to Parliament Hill under heavy police escort. He met his Canadian counterpart for a bilateral meeting, then another meeting in which several ministers from the two countries took part.
Mr. Zelensky thanked him again by calling him by his first name, while apologizing for not speaking French. He promised to return to Canada with his children once victory was achieved. Outside parliament, a few dozen people waved Ukrainian flags and chanted their support for the visiting president.
Ottawa is host to daily demonstrations in support of Ukraine, usually held in front of the Russian embassy.
Volodymyr Zelensky and Justin Trudeau then fly to Toronto, where the two heads of government are to meet entrepreneurs and members of the Canadian-Ukrainian community.
With Florence Morin-Martel and The Canadian Press