Zelenskiy thanks Canada, says its aid helped save thousands of lives

Reuters :
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Friday offered a heartfelt thanks to Canada for its assistance in the war against Russia, saying Ottawa’s aid had helped save thousands of lives.

Zelenskiy made his remarks in a speech to the Parliament in Canada, where the Liberal government of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has been one of the most vocal supporters of Ukraine’s defense against the Russian invasion of February 2022.

Since the beginning of 2022, Canada has committed over C$8 billion ($5.9 billion) in aid to Ukraine, including over C$1.8 billion in military assistance.

“Canadian support for Ukraine with weapons and equipment has allowed us to save thousands of lives,” said Zelenskiy, making his first visit to Canada since the start of the war.

“Canada’s leadership in sanctions against Russia for this war and terror really encouraged others in the world to follow your lead,” he said to loud applause.

Although a counteroffensive by Ukrainian forces to reclaim territory occupied by Russian troops has bogged down, Zelenskiy reiterated comments from last month in which he predicted victory.

“So that Russia will never bring back genocide to Ukraine, and will never ever try to do so, Moscow must lose once and for all, and it will lose,” he said.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Canada would be offering an extra C$650 million in military aid over three years to supply Ukraine with 50 armored vehicles.

Ottawa would also send trainers to help Ukrainian pilots on western F-16 fighter jets.