Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Ottawa for new military aid following a visit by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Most important is the delivery of 155 caliber artillery ammunition, he said in his daily video address on Saturday. He also praised Canada’s commitment to an international coalition to help Ukraine acquire Western fighter jets.
During his visit, Trudeau had previously announced the continuation of a training program for Ukrainian pilots. Overall, Canada’s new armament package amounts to the equivalent of around €350 million.
Ukraine sees the significance of international relations in give and take, Zelenskyy said. Therefore, Kiev is also ready to help Canada to fight wildfires, if such support is needed. At the same time, Zelenskyy urged international aid organizations to get involved in Russian-occupied territory after the tsunami in southern Ukraine caused by the destruction of the dam. On the Kiev-controlled right bank of the Dnipro, 3,000 people were rescued from the water bodies. In the Russian-controlled area, however, people received no real help from Moscow, Zelenskyy said.
In the context of intense fighting in the south of the country, he only mentioned the situation at the front. “I thank everyone who is holding their ground and moving forward,” said Zelenskyy.
The media recently reported the start of the expected Ukrainian counter-offensive in the south of the country. Although the Russian military claims to have repelled the attacks, the Ukrainian side has not provided any information about the course of the fighting.