Zelenskyy to Visit Canada First Time since War Started

On Thursday, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau revealed that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy intends to visit Canada after his visit to the neighboring United States.

In a statement issued by Trudeau, he expressed his anticipation for welcoming President Zelenskyy to Canada, emphasizing the ongoing support for Ukraine and the Ukrainian people in their confrontation with the brutal aggression of Russia.

The Canadian government confirmed that Trudeau would receive Zelenskyy in Ottawa. The Ukrainian president is also expected to address the Canadian Parliament during his stay.

Following this, the he will head to Toronto, where he will meet with top Canadian business leaders.

Media reports indicate that this is Zelenskyy's first visit to Canada since the Russian military operation against Ukraine in February 2022.

Previously, Zelenskyy had addressed the Canadian Parliament via video link. The exact date of his arrival in Ottawa is yet to be confirmed, although Trudeau's office stated that his visit to the country would span Thursday and Friday.

Canada states that it has provided over 8.9 billion Canadian dollars (approximately 6.6 billion U.S. dollars) to Ukraine since the onset of the war, including 1.8 billion Canadian dollars in military aid. Canada has sent various weapons, including Leopard 2 tanks.

Prior to his trip to Canada, Zelenskyy participated in discussions at the United Nations General Assembly in New York this week.

He was then received by US President Joe Biden at the White House. He also met with several U.S. government officials, including Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, and members of the US Congress in Washington.