Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is in kyiv to take part in a demonstration of international solidarity as the world marks two years since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began.
Mr. Trudeau is making an unannounced visit for a day of ceremonies, meetings and commemoration alongside other international leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
“Two years after Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine, Canada’s support for the Ukrainian people remains unwavering,” Justin Trudeau said in a tweet on the social network Quebec.
“To reaffirm this support, I am in Kyiv with @CAFreeland and @BillBlair,” said the Canadian Prime Minister.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also published a video on the social network X where he is seen on a battlefield in front of a plane wreck.
He notably thanked Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, showing images of his symbolic visit to kyiv on Saturday.
Other participants in the ceremonies in Ukraine included Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo. US President Joe Biden was not expected.
“Unwavering Courage”
Russian President Vladimir Putin launched his invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, an incursion that quickly evolved into a serious, bloody, and large-scale conflict with no end in sight.
“Despite Russia’s relentless attacks, Ukraine continues to demonstrate unwavering courage,” Prime Minister Trudeau said in a statement Friday on the eve of the anniversary.
As he has since the start of this war, Justin Trudeau has once again promised to ensure that Canada stands with Ukraine for as long as it takes to achieve victory.
Mr. Trudeau is expected to participate in several commemorations throughout the day, including the laying of a wreath, before ending the day with a joint press conference with President Volodymyr Zelensky.
International support
Two years after the first Russian tanks entered Ukrainian soil, European countries are struggling to find enough weapons to send to Kiev, while aid from the United States worth 60 billion $US is at a standstill due to political differences in the US Congress.
The delays have frustrated President Zelensky, who fears, like others, that such delays and internal political conflicts could play into the hands of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Just last week, Russia took control of the town of Avdiivka, about 706 kilometers east of Ukraine’s capital, where troops fought fiercely around a chemical plant local for weeks.
A Russian drone attack struck a residential building in the southern city of Odessa on Friday evening, killing at least one person and injuring several others.
The presence of world leaders in Kyiv will be visible throughout the day Saturday to demonstrate a bulwark of international support and pay tribute to Ukraine’s continued resilience.
Mr. Zelensky himself warned his allies last week that an “artificial deficit” of weapons risked giving Russia a dangerous advantage.
American military aid in slow motion
Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden has criticized Republicans in the US Congress as they block the passage of legislation to maintain support for Ukraine.
“The failure to support Ukraine at this critical moment will not be forgotten. Now is the time for us to stand strong with Ukraine and united with our allies and partners,” President Biden said in a statement.
“Now is the time to prove that the United States stands for freedom and bows to no one,” he stressed.
Mr. Biden has chastised his political opponents, including former President Donald Trump, for his fiery rhetoric on Ukraine and lack of support that borders on what the current commander in chief calls “criminal negligence.”
Mr. Trudeau took similar steps regarding the Conservatives in the House of Commons in Ottawa and their recent decision to vote against a modernized free trade agreement with Ukraine.