Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has made an unannounced visit to Canada in a bid to garner support for his nation. Canadian television footage captured the moment Prime Minister Justin Trudeau welcomed Mr. Zelensky on the runway in Ottawa. This visit marks Mr. Zelensky’s first trip to Canada since Russia’s invasion in February 2022.
Prior to arriving in Canada, President Zelensky had been in Washington, where he held discussions with US President Joe Biden and other political figures. His primary objective during the Washington visit was to secure additional funding to aid Ukraine in repelling the invading Russian forces. Earlier in the week, he had called upon world leaders to maintain their support for Ukraine at the United Nations in New York.
However, diplomatic tensions have been escalating, with Mr. Zelensky criticizing Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary for prohibiting the import of Ukrainian grain. Support for Ukraine’s war efforts is also becoming a contentious issue in some countries, as many find themselves stretched thin in terms of available resources.
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In the United States, Republican skepticism regarding funding for the war is growing, despite President Biden’s appeals not to abandon Ukraine. President Biden underscored that Russia believes the world will eventually tire and permit the brutalization of Ukraine without repercussions.
The US Congress has already authorized over $110 billion (£89 billion) in aid to Ukraine, but opinion polls indicate a declining level of support among Americans for further expenditures. Many Republicans argue that the funds would be better allocated to domestic concerns. Nevertheless, during Mr. Zelensky’s visit, President Biden approved additional funding for Kyiv, totaling £265 million ($325 million), which includes enhancements to air defenses, though it does not include the long-range missiles that President Zelensky had been requesting.
Additionally, Poland announced on Wednesday that it would cease sending new weaponry to Ukraine and instead focus on bolstering its own defenses with more advanced weapons.
