Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said it was now clear that Russian President Vladimir Putin was responsible for “heinous war crimes” following a surprise visit to the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv.
The short trip was to be kept secret until Trudeau left Ukraine, but local authorities and the media violated the embargo on Sunday morning.
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During the visit, Trudeau met with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky and held a press conference at the Mariinsky Palace, where he announced further military assistance and financial support for Ukraine as it defends its country from Russian invasion.
“It is clear that Vladimir Putin is responsible for heinous war crimes. There must be accountability, “Trudeau said during a passionate speech.
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“Canada will support Ukraine as you seek justice for your people, whom Russia is killing and atrocities.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (left) stands on a podium next to Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky in Kyiv, Ukraine. Trudeau spoke at a press conference on May 8 during a surprise trip to the Ukrainian capital. Ashley Stewart / Global News
During the press conference, Zelenski hailed Trudeau as “a good friend of our country.”
“We are currently facing a full-fledged Russian aggression and this is a gesture of support that we highly appreciate,” Zelensky said.
Zelensky said Canada was second only to the United States in “the scope of aid it provides to Ukraine.”
The two also discussed the weapons Ukraine needs and the country’s economic needs, Zelensky said.
“Ukraine’s recovery requires a swift, concise movement,” and we agreed on how to make that a reality.
Read more: Russian official claims US “directly involved” in battle in Ukraine as “Victory Day” approaches
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During the press conference, Trudeau announced that Canada would provide an additional $ 50 million in military aid to Ukraine, including 18 drone cameras, $ 15 million in high-resolution satellite imagery and up to $ 1 million in small arms and ammunition.
Trudeau also announced sanctions against another 40 Russians – 21 oligarchs and close associates of the Russian regime and 19 people in the Russian defense sector. Five entities will also be sanctioned for “providing indirect or direct support to the Russian military.”
1:26 Canada sends new military aid, funding for demining operations in Ukraine: Trudeau Canada sends new military aid, funding for demining operations in Ukraine: Trudeau
Trudeau also promised funding for demining operations, as well as a $ 25 million grant for the World Food Program in Ukraine and the abolition of all trade tariffs on Ukrainian imports coming to Canada next year.
He said Canada would also provide new funding for women’s organizations, human rights defenders and civil society groups.
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“We will continue to do our job to be with you as much as we can, as much as you need,” Trudeau said.
Trudeau was later asked by the Ukrainian media if he was aware that in accordance with the sanctions imposed on him by Putin, he would not be allowed to enter Russia.
He said: “If Vladimir Putin wants to continue imposing sanctions, he will have to sanction about 38 million Canadians before we even start noticing,” Trudeau said.
Trudeau’s tours destroyed Ukrainian cities
Ukrainian officials are not ashamed to stress both their need for more supplies and their gratitude for Canada’s support in providing arms, money and diplomatic support.
Now, two and a half months after Russia’s invasion of the country, most Russian forces have withdrawn to the disputed eastern region of Donbass, where fighting has intensified.
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Many expect Putin to warn the West not to interfere during a speech in Moscow’s Red Square on Monday, marking World War II celebrations known as Victory Day.
Russian Army tanks rotate during dress rehearsal for Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Saturday, May 7, 2022. The parade will take place on Red Square in Moscow on May 9 to celebrate 77 years of victory in World War II. (AP Photo / Alexander Zemlianichenko). (AP Photo / Alexander Zemlianichenko
Trudeau spoke of the symbolism of the day he celebrated when the Allies “defeated fascism.”
“What Vladimir Putin is doing today, in recent weeks, shames millions of people, millions of Russians who have sacrificed in the name of freedom. This is Putin’s legacy. “
Trudeau toured the city of Irpin, right next to Kyiv, which had been heavily bombed by Russian shelling during the attack on the capital. He also visited Bucha, where retreating Russian forces in March left behind a path of horrific brutality and suffering that quickly sparked accusations of war crimes.
His security convoy included more than 20 vehicles.
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Trudeau said he was “a first-hand witness to the brutality of Russia’s illegal war” and said Russian President Vladimir Putin must bear the consequences of committing war crimes.
“I also witnessed the resilience of the Ukrainians as people recovered, as people stood at more than eight to one to protect not only their homes but the entire city behind them in Kyiv,” Trudeau said.
The prime minister then applauded Zelenski’s leadership over the past two months, calling him an “inspiration”.
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He also pointed out that Sunday is Mother’s Day in Canada and wanted to express his “admiration and respect for all mothers in Ukraine.”
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At the end of his address, Trudeau said: “Today we are sending a loud message to the world that Canada and our allies continue to stand side by side with Ukraine,” before saying “Glory to Ukraine.”
Asked if Canada could do more to help Ukraine, Zelensky reiterated the general call that the country has no heavy weapons and encouraged the media to “use the Internet” to determine which countries can provide those weapons.
“We all know which countries have the technical capabilities and weapons that, fortunately, are not used in those countries. Which can provide us with these weapons – we all know that. “
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He said financial support was second only to arms in terms of aid needed, and that Canada had also offered enough of that, mainly through new loans of C $ 1 billion through the International Monetary Fund and C $ 500 million in military aid, which was announced on Thursday.
Zelenski then said that Canada was “the fourth country from which we also cannot ask for more” – behind the three Baltic states of Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia.
1:36 Reopening of the Canadian Embassy in Kyiv “Incredible Honor”: Trudeau Opening of the Canadian Embassy in Kyiv “Incredible Honor”: Trudeau
During their visit, Trudeau and Zelensky attended a meeting of G7 leaders, where leaders of the world’s seven most advanced economies pledged to give up their countries on Russian energy and continue to insist on isolating the country in retaliation for its invasion. in Ukraine.
G7 leaders said in a joint statement that they also planned to “launch” a campaign against Russian elites who support President Vladimir Putin.
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Speaking after the meeting on Russia’s nuclear threats, Trudeau said: “No irresponsible brandishing of the sword by Vladimir Putin will stop the G7 or NATO allies and the allies of democracy around the world in our determination to stand with Ukraine and fight. oppose Putin’s illegal and illegal actions. irresponsible invasion. “
Trudeau said the world was more determined to see Russia lose the war after witnessing atrocities in cities such as Mariupol and Bucha, and Putin made some “deep miscalculations” in the invasion of Ukraine.
“First, he deeply appreciated the courage, determination, strength of the Ukrainian people and the Ukrainian leader. And second, he greatly underestimated the determination and ability of countries around the world to oppose his actions and stand up for our Ukrainian friends. “
The Canadian embassy reopens in Kyiv
Hours earlier, Trudeau visited the Canadian embassy in Kyiv, where he was joined by Deputy Prime Minister Christia Freeland, Foreign Minister Melanie Jolie and Canadian Ambassador to Ukraine Larissa Galadza …
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