Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (archived photo). File photo
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will visit Kyiv on Monday to join world leaders in marking three years since Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the visit, saying Trudeau is among 13 leaders attending a summit on Ukraine’s security and future.
“He is chairing the G7 at the moment, so he will tell me what is happening with the relationship with the U.S.,” Zelenskyy said at a press conference in Kyiv on Sunday.
Trudeau’s office has not officially confirmed the trip. If he attends, it will be his fourth visit to Ukraine since the war began and likely his last as prime minister, as he has announced plans to step down in March.
World Leaders Discuss Ukraine’s Future
Zelenskyy said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, along with leaders from Nordic and Baltic countries, will also attend in person. Two dozen other leaders will participate virtually. The summit will focus on Ukraine’s security and efforts to strengthen global support.
Ukraine’s allies remain divided on how to end the war. Former U.S. President Donald Trump has called for peace talks with Russia, but Ukraine has been excluded from some negotiations. Reports suggest the U.S. might accept a deal that allows Russia to keep parts of occupied Ukrainian territory and prevents Ukraine from joining NATO.
Zelenskyy acknowledged discussions with the U.S. about Ukraine’s critical minerals in exchange for military aid. He also said he would be willing to step down if it guaranteed Ukraine’s security within NATO.
“If to achieve peace, you really need me to give up my post, I’m ready,” he said.
Ukraine Faces More Attacks
As diplomatic talks continue, Russia has intensified its attacks. Ukrainian officials reported that Russia launched 267 drones overnight on Saturday, the highest number in a single attack. Russia also fired ballistic missiles on Sunday.
Ukraine’s consul general in Toronto, Oleh Nikolenko, criticized the rhetoric coming from the U.S., calling it “counterproductive.” He warned that it could encourage more aggression from Russia.
Nikolenko also urged Canada to take on a bigger role in supporting Ukraine, including military aid, demining operations, and training Ukrainian forces.
“We really hope that Canada can step up its support right now, as we’re in a critical time,” he said.
Canada’s Role in Ukraine’s Defense
Canada has been a major donor to Ukraine, ranking fifth in overall support. However, analysts have criticized Canada for slow delivery of military aid. While Ottawa has pledged billions in financial aid, its military contributions rank lower compared to other countries.
Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly has stated that Canada wants to play a role in Ukraine’s future security but has not clarified whether that could mean sending troops. Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said his government is ready to deploy troops to Ukraine if a ceasefire is reached.
As the war drags on, Ukrainians in Canada feel exhausted and frustrated. Nikolenko said their anger is directed at the war itself, not necessarily at specific governments.
“They’re angry because they want this war to end in a just manner,” he said.
