OTTAWA (CU)_Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, on Tuesday, addressed Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Canadian politicians in a joint session of Parliament, as the conflict between Moscow and Kyiv continues to escalate. The Ukrainian leader thanked Canada for its support but called on the country to do more to help his war-torn nation respond to Russia’s invasion, which has claimed the lives of over 700 civilians.
In his address, President Zelensky attempted to strike an emotional chord, calling on PM Trudeau to imagine what it is like to live under war, coming under attack from Russian bombs and missiles. “Justin, can you imagine hearing—you, your children—hearing all these severe explosions? Bombing of airports, bombing of Ottawa airport, tens of other cities of your wonderful country—can you imagine that?” he asked. The Ukrainian leader went on to repeat his ongoing plea for the imposition of a no-fly zone by the NATO allies, amid resistance from the military alliance owing to fears of being drawn into the war themselves. “How many more cruise missiles have to fall on our cities until you make this happen?” President Zelensky inquired.
Prior to his address, PM Trudeau delivered a speech, commending on the courage demonstrated by the people of Ukraine. “You’re defending the right of Ukrainians to choose their own future, and in doing so, you’re defending the values that form the pillars of all free democratic countries: freedom; human rights; justice; truth; international order,” he said. The Canadian leader went on to announce several new measures aimed at supporting Ukraine in the face of escalating conflict, including Ottawa’s decision to impose additional sanctions on 15 Russian officials.
While President Zelensky thanked Canada for its “steadfast” support, but said the provision of military censors and humanitarian assistance, along with the imposition of sanctions on Moscow “just did not bring the end to the war”. “Basically, what am I trying to say [is] that you all need to do more to stop Russia, to protect Ukraine, and by doing that to protect Europe from Russian threat,” he said. His address was followed by a three-minute standing ovation by Canadian parliamentarians, with shouts of “Slava Ukraini!”, which means Glory to Ukraine.
