Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had a conversation Wednesday with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, just before his meeting in Berlin with the new Chancellor of Germany, Olaf Scholz.
On social media, President Zelensky wrote: “I spoke to my friend @JustinTrudeau on Wednesday about defense cooperation and an escalation of sanctions against Russia. We agreed on new diplomatic initiatives. Canada is at the side of Ukraine, we perceive it every day”.
Talked to my friend @JustinTrudeau about ???????????????? defense cooperation and how to increase sanctions pressure on Russia. Agreed on further diplomatic steps. Canada stands with Ukraine. We feel it every day.
— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) March 9, 2022
Prime Minister Trudeau’s political staff has indicated that Canada will send another shipment of highly sophisticated military equipment to Ukraine.
A government official said on condition of anonymity that the shipment would include surveillance drones.
The Prime Minister also invited President Zelensky to speak to Canadian parliamentarians, an invitation that was accepted, according to Mr. Trudeau’s entourage.
It was the Prime Minister of Canada’s first conversation with President Zelensky in six days.
Trudeau hailed President Zelenskyy’s resilience and leadership as Ukraine’s armed forces attempt to slow the invasion of their country by Europe’s most powerful army.
On Tuesday, Volodymyr Zelensky posted a video showing him near the presidential offices in Kyiv in front of sandbags, a few automobiles and a snow-covered conifer.
“Snow has fallen. It feels like spring,” he said softly. “You see, it’s a time of spring, a time of war. It’s hard. But we will win”.
This video, the second uploaded in 24 hours by President Zelensky, apparently wanted to dispel doubts about his presence in the capital.