Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau made a surprise visit to Kyiv Saturday, announcing a $500 million military aid to Ukraine. He went alongside deputy prime minister Chrystia Freeland.
The announcement came after Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed its long-awaited counter-offensive against Russia had begun.
Trudeau did not detail how the funding would be spent, but he indicated "Operation Unifier," the country's military training mission, would be extended until 2026. He also announced Canada would be one of several countries training Ukrainian pilots on the F-16 fighter aircraft.
"We will be there with [Ukraine] as much as it takes, for as long as it takes," he said.
Regarding the collapse of the Nova Kakhovka Dam along the Dnipro river, Trudeau announced an additional $10 million humanitarian aid package to the affected regions downstream, which were flooded as a result of the dam's destruction. This pledge was on top of a previous $37 million humanitarian aid, which Trudeau said would be redirected toward helping Ukraine manage and recover from the effects of the breach.
The Canadian leader also announced his country would sanction an additional "24 individuals and 17 entities" from Russia as a result of the dam's collapse on top of over "2,500 entities and individuals" it previously announced. "Russia is responsible and will be held accountable," he added.
Prior to the meeting, Trudeau and his contingent offered a wreath at Kyiv's Wall of Remembrance, a monument to honor fallen Ukrainian soldiers of the Russo-Ukrainian War. He also inspected destroyed Russian armor displayed at Kyiv's central square.
Zelensky Confirms Beginning of Counter-offensive
At a news conference alongside Trudeau, Zelensky confirmed Ukrainian forces have initiated conducting counter-offensive and defensive actions, claiming his top commanders were in a "positive" mindset as their troops are engaged in direct action along its front line.
The confirmation was made after Russian president Vladimir Putin released a Telegram video saying the Ukrainian counter-offensive had begun and Ukrainian forces were taking "significant losses."
"I will not speak about which stage or phase they are in," Zelensky said in response. "I am in touch with our commanders of different directions [sic] every day... Everyone is positive. Pass this on to Putin."
As for hosting Trudeau in Kyiv, Zelensky expressed it was a pleasure doing so. "We're very grateful that we have such good friends of Ukraine, and your people show such big support for all of our people in Canada...for refugees that are now in Canada and also for the Ukrainians in Ukraine fighting for freedom," he said. "We need more friends like Canada."
Russian Cargo Plane in Toronto Seized
Meanwhile, the Canadian government said it intended to seize a Russian cargo aircraft that landed in Toronto on Feb. 27, 2022, a few days after Russia began its invasion of Ukraine. The plane, an Antonov AN-124 aircraft allegedly operated by the Volga-Dnepr Group, has been grounded ever since at the Toronto Pearson International Airport.
Canadian transport minister Omar Alghabra released a statement Saturday, saying the plane would be seized as a message of condemnation to Russia and of support to Ukraine.
"Today, we are demonstrating that Russia's actions continue to have consequences," he said. "We stand with Ukraine and will take any and all necessary actions, including this seizure, to put pressure on President Putin."
If the plane was seized, it would be the first physical asset confiscated under Canada's updated sanctions system.
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