Zelenskyy’s Historic Canadian Tour Cements Steadfast Support

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently completed a momentous tour of Canada, leaving an indelible mark on the nation and reaffirming its unwavering support for Ukraine in its struggle against Russia’s brutal invasion. From high-level talks to impassioned speeches, the visit underscored Canada’s commitment to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Ukrainian people until victory is achieved.

Zelenskyy’s whirlwind two-day itinerary mixed symbolic moments with substantive progress. It reflected the deep connections between the two nations, home to 1.4 million Canadians of Ukrainian descent. From the Prime Minister to MPs across party lines, the visit galvanized solidarity with Ukraine’s fight to defend freedom and democracy.

Here are few moments from yesterday coverage of Zelenskyy visit that are critical for Canada’s stand with Ukraine community

• Zelenskyy met with Governor General Mary Simon, who taught him the Inuktitut word “Ajuinnata” meaning “don’t give up”. He referenced this in his speech to Parliament.

• In his address to Parliament, Zelenskyy thanked Canada for its steadfast support of Ukraine, saying it has helped save thousands of Ukrainian lives.

• Zelenskyy accused Russia of genocide against the Ukrainian people. He drew comparisons to the Holodomor famine in Ukraine in the 1930s.

• Prime Minister Justin Trudeau pledged an additional $650 million in military, financial and humanitarian aid to Ukraine over the next three years.

• Trudeau said Canada will provide armored vehicles, drone cameras, maintenance support for tanks, and training for Ukrainian pilots on F-16 jets.

• Canada announced new sanctions on 63 Russians involved in kidnapping Ukrainian children and spreading disinformation.

• Zelenskyy and Trudeau signed an updated free trade agreement between Canada and Ukraine.

• In Toronto, Zelenskyy met with Canadian business leaders to encourage investment in Ukraine’s rebuilding.

• He attended a rally with approximately 1,000 members of the Ukrainian-Canadian community.

Dyakuju/ Thank you Chrystia Freeland Deputy Prime Minister for standing with Ukraine and supporting the Ukrainian-Canadian community. Grateful for your contributions in so many ways:

• Personal heritage: Freeland is of Ukrainian heritage herself, so feels a strong connection to supporting Ukraine. Her grandfather was a Ukrainian journalist who was killed by the Nazis.
• Government leadership role: As Deputy PM, Freeland plays a major role in policymaking and can advocate within government for backing Ukraine.
• Communication: Freeland can clearly and persuasively communicate to Canadians and internationally why supporting Ukraine matters.
• Community connections: With Ukrainian roots, Freeland has good connections to Ukrainian-Canadian civil society groups and can interact credibly with them.
• U.S. ties: Freeland has built relationships with U.S. leaders and can help keep Canada-U.S. coordination strong on Ukraine policy.
• International profile: Freeland has a high international profile from her past role as Foreign Minister and extensive relationships she can leverage.
• Steadfast stance: Freeland has been firm and consistent in her stance backing Ukraine since the war began.
• Long-term view: She emphasizes that supporting Ukraine is not just about the war, but about rebuilding long-term.
• Moral clarity: Freeland projects strong moral clarity in standing against Russia’s invasion and with democratic Ukraine.

The importance of Zelenskyy’s visit to Canada and how nations can continue standing with Ukraine:

• Maintain a steady flow of military equipment and aid to Ukraine. This direct support is vital.
• Offer training to Ukrainian forces on using advanced Western weapons and systems. This expands Ukraine’s capabilities.
• Keep sanctions pressure on Russia high through additional targeted sanctions. This helps isolate Russia.
• Give Ukraine a platform to directly address domestic legislatures. This rallies public support.
• Show symbolic displays of public support like welcoming ceremonies. This recognizes Ukraine’s courage.
• Prioritize investment in rebuilding Ukraine’s infrastructure when feasible. This aids long-term recovery.
• Accelerate Ukraine’s integration with European and Euro-Atlantic and global institutions. This affirms their belonging.
• Push for reforms at UN Security Council to limit veto power in cases of genocide. This prevents paralyzing inaction.
• Hold Russia legally accountable for war crimes through investigations and prosecutions. This delivers justice.
• Give Ukraine financial assistance through budgetary aid, loans and debt relief. This provides urgent liquidity.
• Keep taking in and supporting Ukrainian displaced population who flee abroad. This alleviates suffering.
• Encourage businesses to invest in Ukraine’s rebuilding and development. This aids their economy.
• Pursue confiscation of Russian overseas assets to help fund Ukraine’s reconstruction. This makes Russia pay.
• Counter Kremlin propaganda and disinformation decisively. This challenges false narratives.
• Creatively use platforms like culture, sports and education to affirm Ukraine’s identity. This builds solidarity.
• Frame the war in Ukraine as a vital struggle for freedom and democracy globally. This mobilizes support.
• Commit to supporting Ukraine over the long-term, not just immediate war response. This enables recovery.
• Involve Ukrainian civil society groups in policy conversations. This ensures informed decisions.
• Lead global efforts for Ukraine through international institutions. This reinforces united resolve.