Trudeau pledges Canada’s support for Ukraine and punishment for Russia

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, right, embraces Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy...

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, proper, embraces Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as he’s launched throughout a rally on the Fort York Armoury in Toronto on Friday, Sept. 22, 2023. Credit score: AP/Chris Younger

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has introduced a number of help measures for Ukraine, together with army, financial and humanitarian help, whereas additionally pledging an extra present of diplomatic backing by way of steps meant to punish Russia over the struggle.

“We’re persevering with to impose prices on Russia and guaranteeing that these answerable for this unlawful, unjustifiable invasion don’t profit from it,” Trudeau mentioned Friday throughout a joint information convention with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Ottawa, the Canadian capital.

Zelenskyy additionally addressed Canada’s Parliament on Friday. He flew into Ottawa late Thursday after conferences with U.S. President Joe Biden and lawmakers in Washington. He spoke on the U.N. Normal Meeting on Wednesday.

Canada and Ukraine agreed to determine a working group with G7 companions to check seizure and forfeiture of Russian property, together with from the Russian Central Financial institution, Trudeau mentioned.

Canada additionally added 63 Russian people and entities to the nation’s sanctions record, together with “these complicit within the kidnapping of youngsters and the spreading of disinformation,” Trudeau mentioned.

Canada’s pledge to face with Ukraine will embody $650 million in new army help over the following three years, Trudeau mentioned.

Canada will present Ukraine with 50 armored autos, together with armored medical evacuation autos inbuilt London, Ontario. Pilot and upkeep instructors for F-16 fighter jets, help for Leopard 2 battle tank upkeep, 35 drones with high-resolution cameras, gentle autos and ammunition are a part of the meant help package deal, Trudeau mentioned.

The multiyear help additionally will embody a monetary contribution to a U.Ok.-led consortium delivering air protection gear to Ukraine, Trudeau mentioned.

Canada’s financial help will proceed into the 2024 fiscal 12 months, whereas the governments even have signed a free commerce settlement, Trudeau mentioned.

Different help for nongovernmental organizations and Ukraine’s authorities will embody measures to enhance “cyber resilience,” rebuild native infrastructure and help farmers. Canada additionally plans to contribute funds for Ukraine’s nationwide struggle memorial and cash to extend the supply of psychological well being help on the applicable time, he mentioned.

“We stand right here completely united in our protection of democracy and our condemnation of (Russian President) Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked, unjustified and unconscionable invasion of Ukraine,” Trudeau mentioned.