NATO meeting in Washington | Justin Trudeau denounces attack on Kyiv children’s hospital

(Washington) A major Russian missile attack struck a major children’s hospital in Kyiv on Monday as the ongoing war in Ukraine is set to be the main topic of conversation at a NATO leaders’ summit this week in Washington, D.C.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, condemning the attack and expressing condolences on behalf of Canadians.

“This is despicable,” he said in a written statement. “Hitting a children’s hospital – and the innocent children inside – is an unjustifiable act.”

The missile that struck the Okhmatdyt children’s hospital was part of a barrage of fire during the day targeting five Ukrainian cities. Authorities said at least 31 people were killed and 154 wounded, including at least seven children who were hospitalized.

Trudeau and Zelensky exchanged views on the NATO leaders’ summit, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office. The two leaders discussed Ukraine’s progress toward NATO membership and the alliance’s support in response to Russian attacks.

NATO members overwhelmingly support Ukraine, but have been careful not to get drawn into a wider conflict with Russia.

The perilous situation in Ukraine is expected to be among the main topics on the agenda at the NATO summit, which is due to officially begin in the US capital on Tuesday.

Pressure to increase defense spending

Kirsten Hillman, Canada’s ambassador to the United States, said Monday that Canada’s unwavering support for Ukrainians is important in the face of persistent criticism that the country has failed to meet NATO defense spending targets.

Alliance members have agreed to spend the equivalent of 2% of their national gross domestic product on defence. Canada is expected to spend 1.37% this year, up from 1% in 2014, but that remains well below the target.

M^me Hillman told reporters after meeting with Trudeau that she had come under pressure from U.S. officials, who expect each country to step up its efforts as much as it can.

But she believes they understand the progress Canada has made in getting closer to 2%.

The ambassador also stressed that in addition to Canadian efforts to invest more in defence, the Americans appreciate the country’s “trajectory”, which “emphasizes [des dépenses] on the Arctic and the Middle East.” “That’s what they expect from their allies: to invest in their capabilities and their skills,” she said in a press briefing.

M^me Hillman said Canada’s strong support for Ukraine is an asset for the country on the international stage.

“I am proud of the fact that our allies recognize that we are, for example, the strongest defenders of Ukraine. We are not budging on that,” she said.

“The leadership that Canada has always demonstrated towards Ukraine. The Americans are counting on us to remain strong,” she added, recalling that “some allies in NATO meet their investment targets, but do not support Ukraine.”

Defence Secretary Bill Blair has said he expects spending to rise by at least 1.75% by 2029, with additional spending on a new submarine fleet and integrated air and missile defence systems likely to push it beyond 2%.

The issue of spending was immediately raised when Mr Blair spoke at the Foreign and Security Policy Forum in Washington on Monday afternoon.

He suggested Canada had come to the summit with the kind of detailed plan that its allies – including a bipartisan group of 23 U.S. senators – had been demanding.

“I hope that in the coming days I can share this credible and verifiable plan with our allies to provide them with assurance that Canada understands its responsibility and that we will live up to our responsibilities,” he said.

Mr. Blair also said that his department’s polls suggested few Canadians wanted the government to increase defence spending a year ago, but more recent polls put the number at more than 60 per cent.

He is expected to join Mr. Trudeau and Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly at the NATO leaders’ summit that begins Tuesday.

Biden’s health raises concerns

The precarious situation of US President Joe Biden, whose recent performance in a presidential debate raised major questions about his cognitive state, will also influence the summit meeting.

The upcoming US elections and the possibility of a second Donald Trump administration have some NATO countries worried that the alliance’s most vocal critic will once again control its most powerful military.

Mr. Trump has repeatedly said he will not defend NATO members that fail to meet their defense spending targets, including Canada.

There are also concerns that if the Republican leader is elected, he will reduce his support for Ukraine.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said Friday he expects leaders to agree to a substantial package for Ukraine that provides a “bridge to NATO membership.”

Some experts say it is unlikely to go as far as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hopes.

He posted on social media after the missile strikes, calling on peace-seeking countries to stand together against Russia. He added that this requires joint support, determination, action and defense.

“That is why we can only force Russia to peace, and we can achieve this only together with everyone in the world who is really looking for peace,” Zelensky said.

Supporting Team Canada’s efforts

Mr. Trudeau is also taking advantage of his stay in Washington to support Team Canada’s efforts in anticipation of the American elections.

On Monday afternoon, he met with Joshua Bolten, CEO of the Business Roundtable, an association of CEOs of hundreds of American companies, to discuss the deep economic ties between the two countries.

Mr. Trudeau also met with Wes Moore, the Democratic governor of Maryland. The prime minister said it was an opportunity to talk about progressive politics at a time when the world is complicated and difficult.

“Having great people working together helps our democracies survive in so many ways,” Trudeau said.