Zelensky gets standing ovation as he calls on Canada to ‘stay with’ Ukraine: ‘Moscow must lose’
Stuti Mishra
Updated Sat, 23 September 2023
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky called on Canada to “stay with” his country in its war against Russia, in his first visit to the country since the start of the invasion.
The Ukrainian president arrived in Canada’s capital Ottawa late on Thursday night and addressed the parliament on Friday where he sought to bolster support from Western allies for Ukraine’s war.
“Moscow must lose once and for all. And it will lose,” Mr Zelensky said during his address on Friday.
He repeatedly thanked Canadians for financial support and for making Ukrainians fleeing war feel at home in Canada, prompting a number of standing ovations from dignitaries and parliamentarians.
Mr Zelensky said Canada has always been on the “bright side of history” in fighting previous wars and said it has helped saved thousands of lives in this war with its aid to Kyiv.
Canada is home to about 1.4 million people of Ukrainian descent, close to 4 per cent of the population.
More than 175,000 Ukrainians have come to Canada since the war started and an additional 700,000 have received approval to come as part of an initiative that supports temporary relocation of those fleeing the war.
The initiative allows for an open work permit for three years with pathways to permanent residency and citizenship.
In his speech Mr Zelensky linked the suffering of Ukrainians now to the 1930s genocide caused by Stalin, when the Soviet leader was blamed for creating a man-made famine in Ukraine believed to have killed more than 3 million people.
He also noted that it was in Edmonton, Canada, where the world’s first monument was erected in 1993 to commemorate the Ukrainian Famine-Genocide.
The Ukrainian president expressed hope that a monument would one day be raised in Canada to Ukraine’s victory over Russia’s invasion, “maybe in Edmonton.”
“I have a lot of warm words and thanks from Ukraine to you,” Mr Zelensky said in prime minister Justin Trudeau’s office before his speech.
“You have helped us on the battlefield, financially and with humanitarian aid. ... Stay with us to our victory.”
It is Mr Zelensky’s first visit to Canada since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. He previously addressed the Canadian Parliament virtually after the war started.
Mr Trudeau called the visit an opportunity to show Mr Zelensky “how strongly and unequivocally we stand with Ukraine” and announced an additional $650m Canadian (£394m) over three years for 50 armored vehicles that will be built in Canada.
“We are shifting our approach to provide multiyear assistance to ensure Ukraine has the predictable support it needs for long term support,” Mr Trudeau said at a news conference.
Mr Zelensky and Mr Trudeau also attended a rally in Toronto with the local Ukrainian community late Friday.
Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau (R) and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky interact on stage during a rally at Fort York in Toronto, Canada (Getty Images)
The visit comes as cracks begin to appear in the united Western front backing Ukraine for the last 19 months of gruelling war against Russia with hard-right Republicans led by Donald Trump becoming increasingly hostile to sending more aid and key partner Poland saying it will no longer send arms to Kyiv.
Ukrainian troops are struggling to take back territory that Russia gained over the past year and with no end to war in sight, Mr Zelensky has a hard road ahead to keep the momentum in favour of Kyiv going, a task for which allies like Canada play a key role.
Additional reporting by agencies
Stuti Mishra
Updated Sat, 23 September 2023
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky called on Canada to “stay with” his country in its war against Russia, in his first visit to the country since the start of the invasion.
The Ukrainian president arrived in Canada’s capital Ottawa late on Thursday night and addressed the parliament on Friday where he sought to bolster support from Western allies for Ukraine’s war.
“Moscow must lose once and for all. And it will lose,” Mr Zelensky said during his address on Friday.
He repeatedly thanked Canadians for financial support and for making Ukrainians fleeing war feel at home in Canada, prompting a number of standing ovations from dignitaries and parliamentarians.
Mr Zelensky said Canada has always been on the “bright side of history” in fighting previous wars and said it has helped saved thousands of lives in this war with its aid to Kyiv.
Canada is home to about 1.4 million people of Ukrainian descent, close to 4 per cent of the population.
More than 175,000 Ukrainians have come to Canada since the war started and an additional 700,000 have received approval to come as part of an initiative that supports temporary relocation of those fleeing the war.
The initiative allows for an open work permit for three years with pathways to permanent residency and citizenship.
In his speech Mr Zelensky linked the suffering of Ukrainians now to the 1930s genocide caused by Stalin, when the Soviet leader was blamed for creating a man-made famine in Ukraine believed to have killed more than 3 million people.
He also noted that it was in Edmonton, Canada, where the world’s first monument was erected in 1993 to commemorate the Ukrainian Famine-Genocide.
The Ukrainian president expressed hope that a monument would one day be raised in Canada to Ukraine’s victory over Russia’s invasion, “maybe in Edmonton.”
“I have a lot of warm words and thanks from Ukraine to you,” Mr Zelensky said in prime minister Justin Trudeau’s office before his speech.
“You have helped us on the battlefield, financially and with humanitarian aid. ... Stay with us to our victory.”
It is Mr Zelensky’s first visit to Canada since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. He previously addressed the Canadian Parliament virtually after the war started.
Mr Trudeau called the visit an opportunity to show Mr Zelensky “how strongly and unequivocally we stand with Ukraine” and announced an additional $650m Canadian (£394m) over three years for 50 armored vehicles that will be built in Canada.
“We are shifting our approach to provide multiyear assistance to ensure Ukraine has the predictable support it needs for long term support,” Mr Trudeau said at a news conference.
Mr Zelensky and Mr Trudeau also attended a rally in Toronto with the local Ukrainian community late Friday.
Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau (R) and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky interact on stage during a rally at Fort York in Toronto, Canada (Getty Images)
The visit comes as cracks begin to appear in the united Western front backing Ukraine for the last 19 months of gruelling war against Russia with hard-right Republicans led by Donald Trump becoming increasingly hostile to sending more aid and key partner Poland saying it will no longer send arms to Kyiv.
Ukrainian troops are struggling to take back territory that Russia gained over the past year and with no end to war in sight, Mr Zelensky has a hard road ahead to keep the momentum in favour of Kyiv going, a task for which allies like Canada play a key role.
Additional reporting by agencies
Canada has pledged a multi-year commitment in supporting Ukraine amid its war with Russia.
Chris Stoodley
YAHOO·Lifestyle and News Editor
Updated Sun, 24 September 2023
Canadians were divided on social media following the federal government's recent announcement that it'd be sending hundreds of millions of dollars in aid to Ukraine.
On Friday, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau pledged a multi-year commitment in providing steady support for Ukrainians as the eastern European country's war with Russia continues.
"As part of this approach, I'm announcing $650 million in new military assistance over the next three years to supply Ukraine with 50 armoured vehicles, including armoured medical evacuation vehicles that will be built by Canadian workers in London, Ont.," Trudeau told Parliament on Sept. 22.
During a surprise visit to Kyiv in June, Trudeau announced another $500 million in military support for Ukraine. Initially, the prime minister didn't offer up details on the allocation of that aid.
Now, the federal government indicated the $500 million will go towards providing 35 drone cameras to Ukraine. It will also assist in sending Canadian trainers to help Ukrainian pilots and maintenance workers use donated fighter jets.
Canada's total committed support for Ukraine has now risen to more than $9.5 billion since the beginning of 2022, according to a news release.
During Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's visit to Canada on Friday, the two countries also signed a modernized trade deal, which Trudeau said will support "long-term security, stability and economic development in Ukraine."
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (left) and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau signed the modernized Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement on Friday. (Photo by Patrick Doyle/Pool/AFP via Getty Images)
"Eighteen months ago, Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began. Canada was there from the beginning with military, humanitarian and financial assistance, and sanctions against those responsible for this brutal war," Trudeau said beside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a clip posted on Sept. 22. "Volodymyr, I can tell you right now, our support is never going to waver."
Following the the federal government's aid announcement, some Canadians showed their support for the move.
Is 'Ukraine fatigue' creeping in?Canadians were divided on social media following the federal government's recent announcement that it'd be sending hundreds of millions of dollars in aid to Ukraine.
On Friday, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau pledged a multi-year commitment in providing steady support for Ukrainians as the eastern European country's war with Russia continues.
"As part of this approach, I'm announcing $650 million in new military assistance over the next three years to supply Ukraine with 50 armoured vehicles, including armoured medical evacuation vehicles that will be built by Canadian workers in London, Ont.," Trudeau told Parliament on Sept. 22.
During a surprise visit to Kyiv in June, Trudeau announced another $500 million in military support for Ukraine. Initially, the prime minister didn't offer up details on the allocation of that aid.
Now, the federal government indicated the $500 million will go towards providing 35 drone cameras to Ukraine. It will also assist in sending Canadian trainers to help Ukrainian pilots and maintenance workers use donated fighter jets.
Canada's total committed support for Ukraine has now risen to more than $9.5 billion since the beginning of 2022, according to a news release.
During Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's visit to Canada on Friday, the two countries also signed a modernized trade deal, which Trudeau said will support "long-term security, stability and economic development in Ukraine."
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (left) and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau signed the modernized Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement on Friday. (Photo by Patrick Doyle/Pool/AFP via Getty Images)
"Eighteen months ago, Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began. Canada was there from the beginning with military, humanitarian and financial assistance, and sanctions against those responsible for this brutal war," Trudeau said beside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a clip posted on Sept. 22. "Volodymyr, I can tell you right now, our support is never going to waver."
Following the the federal government's aid announcement, some Canadians showed their support for the move.
Others expressed their anger and frustration at Canada deciding to spend large amounts of money on supporting another country while its own citizens face a housing crisis, rising food costs and unstable health care.
James Cheng-Morris
·Freelance news writer, Yahoo UK
Sun, 24 September 2023
Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky at a meeting with US president Joe Biden in the Oval Office on Thursday. (AFP via Getty Images)
What's happening? Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine last year was one of the most seismic events of recent times.
It prompted an almost universal outpouring of support for Ukraine, while dozens of countries have provided military and humanitarian aid.
But 19 months on, is "Ukraine fatigue" creeping in?
That was the question put to Grant Shapps on Sky News’ Sunday Morning on Trevor Phillips programme.
The defence secretary - who on Tuesday attended a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, an alliance of 54 countries which coordinates military aid - denied it.
“Certainly within that room we were all absolutely solidly behind Ukraine,” he said.
“The UK stands shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine. We haven’t forgotten how a tyrant has walked in on its democratic neighbour and if we don’t stop him, we know from history what happens after that. That is why we are continuing our support.”
Read more: Ukraine’s first lady is 'afraid' the world is turning away from war (ABC News)
However, there are instances suggesting wider support for Ukraine is not as strong as it was. Here, Yahoo News UK rounds up some notable examples.
'We're not Amazon'
Ben Wallace said his comments about Ukraine showing 'gratitude' were 'misrepresented'. (Getty Images)
One of the first cracks actually came from the UK, considered by some to be Ukraine’s biggest ally.
In July, Ben Wallace, Shapps’ predecessor as defence secretary, said the UK and US had told Ukraine that “we’re not Amazon” after being handed requests for new weapons. Wallace called for “gratitude”.
“There is a slight word of caution here which is that, whether we like it or not, people want to see gratitude,” he told reporters.
“My counsel to the Ukrainians… you’re persuading countries to give up their own stocks. And yes the war is a noble war and yes we see it as you doing a war for not just yourself but our freedoms.
“But sometimes you’ve got to persuade lawmakers on the Hill in America. You’ve got to persuade doubting politicians in other countries that it’s worth it and it’s worthwhile and they’re getting something for it.”
Rishi Sunak shut down the comments, saying Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky had “repeatedly expressed gratitude”.
Wallace later said his remarks were “somewhat misrepresented” and his point was that “in some parliaments there is not such strong support as in Great Britain”.
On Sunday, Shapps said the UK is providing Ukraine with more ammunition and will have trained 30,000 troops by the end of the year.
“I don’t think the British resolve is wavering in any way shape or form,” he said.
Read more: Ben Wallace says Ukraine remarks were ‘misrepresented’ (PA Media)
'Never insult Poles again'
Volodymyr Zelensky and Mateusz Morawiecki embrace in February. A row between Ukraine and Poland escalated this week. (Getty Images)
Poland had been one of Ukraine’s key allies following the onset of the war.
Poland’s eastern border neighbours Ukraine’s and it welcomed about 1.5m refugees, with many more passing through the country.
And according to the Kiel Institute for the World Economy, Poland had provided £2.6bn in military aid as of August, the sixth highest in the world.
But a row between the two over Ukraine’s grain exports escalated this week.
On Monday, Ukraine filed a lawsuit against Poland to the World Trade Organization over its ban on food imports from the country. Poland claims Ukrainian grain is leaving its farmers out of pocket.
On Tuesday, Zelensky swiped at Poland at the United Nations as he said: “It’s alarming to see how some in Europe play out solidarity in a political theatre, making a thriller from the grain.”
On Wednesday, Poland announced it would stop supplying weapons. Prime minister Mateusz Morawiecki said in a TV address: "We are no longer transferring any weapons to Ukraine because we will now arm ourselves with the most modern weapons."
Then, on Friday, Morawiecki said: “I... want to tell President Zelensky never to insult Poles again, as he did recently during his speech at the UN."
Read more: Why is Poland stopping sending weapons to Ukraine - and what is the dispute over? (Sky News)
How will key US partnership play out?
Volodymyr Zelensky and Joe Biden in the Oval Office on Thursday. (AFP via Getty Images)
The US has been - by far - Ukraine’s biggest benefactor, according to the Kiel Institute. It has provided £36.7bn in military aid. Germany, having provided £14.9bn, is next on the list.
But ahead of next year’s presidential election, candidates for the Republican nomination have questioned future US support. One hopeful, Vivek Ramaswamy, said more military aid for Ukrainian forces would be “disastrous”.
And US philanthropist Howard Buffet told Reuters this week: “I do have concern about whether people can maintain the level of interest in [Ukraine]. Particularly, in the US, one of the drawbacks will be the political campaign that we're going into.”
Zelensky visited the US this week in an attempt to maintain support.
He and Joe Biden shared warm words on Thursday, with Biden promising: “Together with our partners and allies, the American people are determined to see to all we can to ensure the world stands with you.”
And on Saturday, it was reported Biden has agreed to supply long-range army tactical missile systems (ATACMS) following months of lobbying. The weapons have a range of 180 miles. After a taxing week for Zelensky, it represented a major boost.
Ukraine-Russia war: Pope hits out at Poland over weapons withdrawal
Maighna Nanu
Sun, 24 September 2023
Pope Francis waves to the faithful from his studio overlooking St. Peter's Square during the Sunday Angelus blessing in Vatican City - Vatican Pool/Getty Images Europe
Pope Francis has complained about countries “pulling back” from giving weapons to Ukraine in an apparent rebuke of the Polish government.
The Pontiff suggested that some countries were “playing games” with Ukraine by first providing weapons and then apparently backing out of their commitments.
The Pope told journalists on Saturday night: “I’ve seen now that some countries are pulling back, and aren’t giving weapons. This will start a process where the martyrdom is the Ukrainian people, certainly. And this is bad.”
“We cannot play with the martyrdom of the Ukrainian people,” he added. “We have to help resolve things in ways that are possible.”
It was thought to be a reference to the announcement by Mateusz Morawiecki, the Polish prime minister, that Poland was no longer sending arms to Ukraine as part of a trade dispute. Poland had decided last week to extend a ban on Ukrainian grain imports, shaking Kyiv’s relationship with a neighbour that has been one of its staunchest allies.
When asked about the Pope’s comments, Matteo Bruni, the Vatican spokesman, said they were not directed at any particular government.
“[It was a] reflection on the consequences of the arms industry: the Pope, with a paradox, was saying that those who traffic in weapons never pay the consequences of their choices but leave them to be paid by people, like the Ukrainians, who have been martyred,” he said.
Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, stopped off in Poland on the way back from his visit to New York for the United Nations General Assembly, but did not meet with any officials here.
Instead, he handed state awards to Bianka Zalewska, a journalist who helped transport wounded children to Polish hospitals, and Damian Duda, who gathered a medical team to help wounded soldiers near the front line.
Maighna Nanu
Sun, 24 September 2023
Pope Francis waves to the faithful from his studio overlooking St. Peter's Square during the Sunday Angelus blessing in Vatican City - Vatican Pool/Getty Images Europe
Pope Francis has complained about countries “pulling back” from giving weapons to Ukraine in an apparent rebuke of the Polish government.
The Pontiff suggested that some countries were “playing games” with Ukraine by first providing weapons and then apparently backing out of their commitments.
The Pope told journalists on Saturday night: “I’ve seen now that some countries are pulling back, and aren’t giving weapons. This will start a process where the martyrdom is the Ukrainian people, certainly. And this is bad.”
“We cannot play with the martyrdom of the Ukrainian people,” he added. “We have to help resolve things in ways that are possible.”
It was thought to be a reference to the announcement by Mateusz Morawiecki, the Polish prime minister, that Poland was no longer sending arms to Ukraine as part of a trade dispute. Poland had decided last week to extend a ban on Ukrainian grain imports, shaking Kyiv’s relationship with a neighbour that has been one of its staunchest allies.
When asked about the Pope’s comments, Matteo Bruni, the Vatican spokesman, said they were not directed at any particular government.
“[It was a] reflection on the consequences of the arms industry: the Pope, with a paradox, was saying that those who traffic in weapons never pay the consequences of their choices but leave them to be paid by people, like the Ukrainians, who have been martyred,” he said.
Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, stopped off in Poland on the way back from his visit to New York for the United Nations General Assembly, but did not meet with any officials here.
Instead, he handed state awards to Bianka Zalewska, a journalist who helped transport wounded children to Polish hospitals, and Damian Duda, who gathered a medical team to help wounded soldiers near the front line.
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