Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau arrived in the Ukrainian capital, Kiev, on Saturday morning for an unannounced visit. He also met President Volodimir Zelensky and promised more Canadian support.

Trudeau announced during a press conference with Zelensky that Canada would participate in an international coalition to train Ukrainian fighter pilots, which also includes Belgium. The country also generates 500 million Canadian dollars (nearly 350 million euros) in military aid available to Ukraine.

Antonov plane

He also said his country seized the Russian Antonov cargo plane that landed in Canada last year. The aircraft was transferred to Ukraine.

Canada’s prime minister also blamed Russia for the destruction of the Nova Kachovka dam, which caused severe flooding. “There is no doubt in our view that the destruction of the dam was a direct result of Russia’s decision to invade the country,” he said. However, he did not say that Russia was responsible for the explosion that destroyed the dam. Russia and Ukraine have both denied being behind the blast.

Pencil case

Earlier in the day, Trudeau placed a wreath by the wall depicting the faces of soldiers who died in Kiev. The prime minister also visited an exhibition of damaged military vehicles.

Deputy Defense Minister Oleksandr Polishchuk presented Trudeau with a pouch filled with shrapnel from the rocket that fell in the port city of Odessa. “This is a small reminder of how Ukraine has withstood Russian missile attacks,” Polishchuk said in English.

Trudeau also met with a group of Ukrainian soldiers who were being trained in Canada. Colonel Petro Ostapchuk told the press that the troops were trained as snipers, engineers and young commanders. “It is a great honor to meet the Prime Minister,” said the Colonel. Polishchuk added that he personally thanked the prime minister for Canada’s assistance.

Ally

Canada, home to many Ukrainians, is one of Kiev’s main allies. Ottawa has sent significant military aid, including Leopard tanks, to Ukraine and trained more than 36,000 Ukrainian soldiers. The country has also imposed several sanctions against Russia.

Trudeau was already in Ukraine in May 2022. Then he also visited the heavily damaged city of Irpin. His visit on Saturday comes as Moscow reports heavy attacks by Ukraine on its positions in the south and east of the country. They could be part of a major counteroffensive that Kiev announced a few months ago. (Belgium)