Zelensky says agreement reached with Canada on simplified travel for Ukrainians

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said this at a joint press conference with Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Toronto on Tuesday, July 2.

"In the next few months, we are planning to sign a Ukrainian-Canadian agreement on youth mobility that will facilitate youth exchanges," the head of state said.

According to him, such exchanges will help Ukrainians and Canadians come for study and work for up to one year under a simplified procedure.

"I would very much like Ukrainian youth to get knowledge and experience here. It's not so easy now. Getting a Canadian visa, you know, is as difficult as getting a ticket for an NHL match," Zelensky said.

At the same time, he said he understood the Canadian side's concerns about visa facilitation but promised to find a "right decision" and ensure the return of young Ukrainians to their homes.

At the same time, Zelensky said that Ukraine had received a proposal from Canada to join the Trusted Travelers Programs.

"Today we have received a proposal from Canada to add Ukraine to the Trusted Travelers Programs, which means a simplified procedure for the arrival of Ukrainians to Canada. We see this as one more step towards a future visa-free regime with Canada," he added.

President Volodymyr Zelensky is on a working visit to Toronto, Canada, on July 1-3.

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