Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau has revealed on Thursday, that his country committed more than $8.9 billion in multifaceted support to Ukraine through financial, military, humanitarian, security, stabilization aid, as well as development assistance.
In a statement issued following the Independent Day for Ukraine, 24th August, Canada’s Prime Minister joined the people of Ukraine and Ukrainian communities in Canada and around the world to mark the 32nd anniversary of Ukrainian independence.
According to him, “On this day in 1991, Ukraine declared its independence, solidifying its rightful place in the international system as a free and sovereign nation. Canada was the first Western country to recognize this fact, and our countries have been close friends and strong partners ever since.
“Today, as the people of Ukraine continue to defend their country against Russia’s brutal and unjustifiable war of aggression, we reaffirm our commitment to stand with them as they fight for our shared values of peace, freedom, and democracy.
“When I was in Kyiv this past June, I delivered this message of support from Canadians to the Ukrainian people. The Ukrainian people are the tip of the spear that is determining the future of the 21st century, and Canada will support them for as long as it takes”, he said.
Trudeau promised that together with the country’s allies and partners, Canada will continue to do everything possible to support Ukraine until its territorial integrity is re-established.
“Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Canada has committed more than $8.9 billion in multifaceted support to Ukraine, including financial, military, humanitarian, security, and stabilization aid, as well as development assistance”.
He disclosed that Canada has also trained more than 37,000 members of Ukraine’s security forces through Operation UNIFIER, and welcomed more than 170,000 Ukrainians fleeing Putin’s violence, providing them with the support they need to adjust to life away from home.
“The bond between our peoples is unbreakable. Canada is proudly home to 1.3 million people of Ukrainian descent, which is the largest Ukrainian diaspora in the Western world.
“Ukrainian Canadians form an invaluable piece of our country’s cultural mosaic, and their contributions, past and present, make Canada the country we love.
“Today, we are reminded of courage, determination, and resilience of the people of Ukraine fighting bravely against authoritarian aggression. To all Ukrainians: you are not alone in this fight. Canada will always stand with you to defend your freedoms, independence, and democracy”.
In a separate statement, the Prime Minister spoke with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy while congratulated him on the 32nd anniversary of Ukraine’s independence.
Trudeau extended on behalf of Canada, the best wishes to the people of Ukraine, who remain an inspiration to Canadians and people around the world as they continue to defend their country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The two leaders discussed Ukraine’s military, financial, and humanitarian needs, now and into the future. The Prime Minister reaffirmed Canada’s unwavering support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s brutal and unjustifiable aggression, as well as for President Zelenskyy’s ongoing diplomatic efforts toward a just and sustainable peace.
Canadian Prime Minister, Trudeau and Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy emphasized the unbreakable bond between the two countries, and they reaffirmed their intention to remain in close and regular contact.