Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is currently on a visit to Canada, marking his first trip to the country in nearly a year amid ongoing deadly airstrikes in Ukraine. Zelenskyy, accompanied by his wife Olena Zelenska, is scheduled to participate in various events in Calgary, Toronto, and North Bay during his stay from Wednesday to Friday, as stated by Prime Minister Mark Carney.
Carney emphasized that the visit highlights Canada’s continuous support for Ukraine and its firm dedication to achieving a just and enduring peace. The agenda of the visit will focus on enhancing defense, economic, and energy collaborations between Canada and Ukraine, along with addressing the human toll of Russia’s aggressive actions against Ukraine and promoting the strong interpersonal connections between the two nations.
Although the statement did not specify Zelenskyy’s arrival details, the prime minister’s schedule indicates a meeting with the Ukrainian president in Calgary on Thursday morning. The leaders are expected to engage in a signing ceremony followed by a joint news conference.
Zelenskyy announced his travel plans to Canada through a social media post on Wednesday without disclosing the exact location he was flying into. His previous visit to Canada took place last December when he met with Carney in Halifax before heading to the United States for discussions centered on resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Carney had visited Kyiv in August last year for his inaugural official visit to Ukraine, during which he reaffirmed Canada’s backing for Ukraine and unveiled a $2 billion military aid package.
Flight Delayed Due to Drone Activity
A flight intended to transport Zelenskyy from Moldova to Norway on Tuesday faced a delay due to the closure of Moldova’s airspace following a drone incursion, a government spokesperson confirmed. Moldovan authorities reported that a Russian drone crashed in a sunflower field in Riscani district on Tuesday, causing four fires but no casualties.
Government spokesperson Dumitru Ciorici revealed that Moldova had temporarily shut down its airspace on Tuesday afternoon to safeguard aircraft in flight, resulting in the postponement of three departures, including Zelenskyy’s journey.
Zelenskyy’s visit coincides with the challenging circumstances in Kyiv due to severe airstrikes and the urgent need for enhanced air defense support, as his government appeals for assistance. European leaders argue that Russia is escalating the conflict.
Amid escalating tensions, Russian airstrikes in Kyiv have resulted in casualties, prompting concerns of an impending escalation in the conflict. Germany has accused Russia of sabotage on a Ukrainian plane at Leipzig airport.
Prior to his departure for Canada, Zelenskyy criticized the global response to Russia’s intensified attacks on civilian areas in Ukraine, urging for a more resolute stance against Moscow’s actions. He emphasized the need for a robust reaction to prevent Russia from continuing its destructive activities unchecked.
Last week, Carney hinted at delivering a straightforward message to Vladimir Putin if the Russian president attends the upcoming G20 summit in Miami, stressing the imperative for Russia to withdraw from Ukraine and cease the ongoing deadly conflict.
