(Ottawa) Federal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made an unexpected trip to Ukraine, where he notably reopened the Canadian embassy in Kyiv and reiterated his unwavering support for the country invaded by Russian troops for several weeks.
Posted at 10:18 a.m.
Updated at 4:30 p.m.
Mr. Trudeau met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. It was their first face-to-face meeting since the start of the Russian invasion.
He used the event to announce new military aid to Ukraine, including 18 drone cameras, high-resolution satellite imagery, small arms and ammunition.
PHOTO VALENTYN OGIRENKO, REUTERS
Justin Trudeau and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy took part in a joint press conference.
The federal government will contribute $25 million to the World Food Program to ensure food security in Ukraine. Products imported from that country will not be subject to tariffs for the next year, Trudeau said.
Ottawa imposes sanctions against 40 other individuals and five Russian entities. According to the prime minister, they are “oligarchs, close associates of the regime and the defense sector, all accomplices in Vladimir Putin’s war”.
Canada to contribute $10 million to support human rights, civil society and mine clearance activities in Ukraine
Visit to Irpin
Accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland and Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly, Mr. Trudeau traveled to Irpin, a town on the outskirts of Kyiv devastated by the fierce fighting that took place there.
In a press conference, Mr. Trudeau said that he had been able to observe “what the Ukrainian people can accomplish with their courage and their values”.
“It’s truly inspiring to see how people have stood up to defend their lives, to defend their communities, to defend a bright future for themselves and their families in a country they love,” Trudeau said.
He also accused Vladimir Putin of being responsible for war crimes committed in Ukraine by Russian soldiers.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE OFFICE OF THE MAYOR OF IRPIN VIA ASSOCIATED PRESS
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau with Mayor of Irpin Oleksandre Markouchine (right)
“He made a profound miscalculation by underestimating the courage and strength of the Ukrainian people as well as the determination of the allied countries to be there for them,” he said.
Drawing a parallel with the Second World War, which was celebrated on Sunday the 77and anniversary of Victory in Europe, Mr. Trudeau said that Mr. Putin was “shaming the memory of the millions of Russians who fought and made sacrifices to defeat fascism and secure freedom for Europe and the world”.
Earlier, accompanied by a heavily armed escort, the Canadian delegation had arrived at the Embassy for a ceremony of the colours. Ambassador Larisa Galadza was also present. The maple leaf was finally raised next to the building, because the first flagpole chosen was broken.
“I was very touched to raise the Canadian flag. It is a recognition of the bravery and the capacities of the Ukrainian people who knew how to defend this city. It is very good to see the Canadian flag being there in the streets of Kyiv”, testified Mr. Trudeau.
The Canadian Press had been made aware of Mr. Trudeau’s visit on the condition of not revealing anything before it was made public, for a question of security.
The Associated Press reported that the first lady of the United States, Jill Biden, had visited western Ukraine to meet Olena Zelenska, her Ukrainian counterpart.
Several other heads of government have visited Ukraine in a show of solidarity since the start of the conflict, including Boris Johnson, Karl Nehammer and Ursula von der Leyen.
Diplomats from most Western countries had fled Ukraine when Russia invaded the country. But many came back. Some of Canada’s G7 allies have reopened their embassies: France and Italy in the third week of April and the United Kingdom last week.