Zelensky, Trudeau discuss situation in eastern Ukraine, probe into UIA plane crash
"Had a productive conversation with Justin Trudeau. Discussed the situation in Donbas and further pressure on Russia to achieve peace. Grateful to Canada for supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and Euro-Atlantic aspirations. Coordinated positions on the investigation of PS752 Flight crash," Zelensky posted on Twitter.
As the press service of the President’s Office informs, Zelensky and Trudeau coordinated positions on key issues on the agenda on the eve of the forthcoming G7 and NATO summits.
The Head of State briefed Trudeau on the security situation in the east and near Ukraine's borders. The President stressed that so far only part of the Russian troops and heavy weapons had been withdrawn from the temporarily occupied territories and from the Ukrainian borders.
"Russia has almost not withdrawn its troops. Out of 105,000 Russian troops, only 11,000 went back,” Zelensky said.
He noted the importance of maintaining international pressure on Russia in order to make real progress in a peaceful settlement.
In addition, the President stressed that the Nord Stream 2 project was a political weapon of Russia.
"We believe that the completion of the Nord Stream 2 will strengthen Russia as a player on the world map," the President said.
In turn, Justin Trudeau reaffirmed Canada's unwavering support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as solidarity with our country in countering Russia's lasting aggression.
"We remain great friends. We will continue to support Ukraine," said the Prime Minister of Canada.
The interlocutors also discussed practical cooperation to support Ukraine's efforts towards NATO membership.
Particular attention was paid to strengthening the coordination of Ukraine Canada efforts in the case of the downing of the PS752 Flight by Iran and bringing the perpetrators to justice.
The parties also touched upon plans for further political dialogue at the highest level. Zelensky confirmed the invitation to Trudeau to visit Ukraine to participate in the inaugural summit of the Crimean Platform in Kyiv and the events on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Ukraine's independence.
As reported, on January 8, 2020, Ukraine International Airlines plane (Flight PS752) heading from Tehran to Kyiv crashed shortly after taking off from the Imam Khomeini International Airport. There were 176 people on board – nine crew members (all Ukrainians) and 167 passengers (citizens of Ukraine, Iran, Canada, Sweden, Afghanistan, Germany, and the UK). All of them died.
On January 11, Iran admitted that its military had accidentally shot down the Ukrainian passenger jet. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) accepted full responsibility for the downing of the Ukrainian airliner.
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