Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to visit Ottawa later this week, marking his first visit to Canada since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Sources have informed Global News about his upcoming visit, which comes after Zelenskyy’s recent trip to the United States and his participation in the ongoing United Nations General Assembly.
According to sources, Zelenskyy is expected to address Parliament on Friday before heading to Toronto, although official details have not been released yet. This won’t be Zelenskyy’s first address to the Canadian Parliament, as he previously delivered a speech via video conference shortly after the war began.
In response to Russia’s aggression, several Canadian officials, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly, have visited Ukraine to express their support and discuss the necessary aid for reconstruction. Canada has been a strong advocate for Ukraine during the conflict, providing over $1 billion in military assistance and offering temporary safe havens for Ukrainian refugees.
In addition to military aid, Canada has also sent significant financial assistance, with a recent contribution of air defense missiles worth $33 million. Prime Minister Trudeau and President Zelenskyy maintain regular communication and even met in person at the NATO summit in Lithuania in July. During the NATO meeting, leaders discussed the possibility of Ukraine joining the military alliance in the future, although no immediate invitation or timeline was given, leading to frustration from Zelenskyy.
In his address at the UN General Assembly, Zelenskyy emphasized that Russia has been “weaponizing” various aspects, including food, energy, and even abducted children, in its war with Ukraine. Ukraine and its allies assert that their fight is not only for international law but also for the sovereignty of every country facing a powerful and potentially expansionist neighbor. Moreover, the disruption caused by the ending of the Black Sea Grain deal has highlighted the importance of stability in global food and fuel supplies.
During his own address at the UN, U.S. President Joe Biden reaffirmed his support for Ukraine, receiving applause from world leaders, including Zelenskyy. Allied leaders also met at a U.S. military base to discuss the next steps, with the issue of supplying Ukraine with longer-range missiles being a key point of contention. While Ukraine argues that such missiles are necessary for defensive purposes, the U.S. is cautious due to concerns about escalating tensions with Russia.
Zelenskyy is also scheduled to speak at a UN Security Council meeting about Ukraine, where Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is expected to deliver remarks. The presence of Russia, as a permanent member of the council, adds further complexity to the situation. As part of his visit to North America, Zelenskyy will also meet with U.S. President Joe Biden at the White House, as the U.S. Congress debates Biden’s request for military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
However, opinions among U.S. politicians are divided, with some conservative Republican lawmakers seeking federal spending cuts, including aid to Ukraine. This visit by Zelenskyy marks his first visit to the U.S. this year, following his visit in December that included addressing a joint meeting of Congress.
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