Ukrainian President Zelensky made a surprise visit to Canada on his first trip since the outbreak of hostilities, seeking further support from Ottawa.
The plane carrying Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his wife Olena Zelenska arrived in Ottawa, Canada, on the evening of September 21st for an unannounced visit. Images on Canadian television showed Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his deputy Chrystia Freeland greeting Zelensky at the airport.
This is Zelensky's first visit to Canada since Russia launched its campaign in Ukraine in February 2022. Several Canadian media outlets had predicted the visit days in advance, but officials from both countries did not confirm the information.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau welcomes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Ottawa on the evening of September 21. Video : Reuters
The Canadian Prime Minister's office announced on September 21st that President Zelensky will visit the country for two days. President Zelensky is expected to meet with Prime Minister Trudeau and address the Canadian Parliament . The two leaders will then travel to Toronto to meet with representatives of Ukrainian businesses and the Ukrainian community.
According to the Canadian Prime Minister's office, Prime Minister Trudeau will reaffirm Canada's support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.
The visit to Canada took place against the backdrop of President Zelensky not being warmly welcomed by Republican lawmakers in the US Congress. US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy refused to hold a joint session of Congress as proposed by President Zelensky, preventing the Ukrainian leader from addressing all members of Congress.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (left) welcomes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his wife Olena Zelenska in Ottawa on the evening of September 21. Photo: Berliner-zeitung
Canada has one of the largest Ukrainian communities in the world, with approximately 1.4 million people. As of July, nearly 170,000 Ukrainian refugees had fled to the North American country since the conflict began.
Canada is a member of NATO and the G7 group. It has imposed numerous sanctions on Russia in response to Moscow's military campaign in Ukraine. Canada is also one of the countries actively supporting Ukraine militarily against Russia, with an estimated total value of over $8.9 billion.
By Như Tâm (According to Reuters, AFP )
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