Ukraine hopes to see Canada’s heavy weapons supplies expand - PM

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal spoke of this at a joint press conference with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"The next important issue (which was discussed during the meeting between Shmyhal and the Canadian delegation - ed.) is military aid to Ukraine. That’s in order to defend ourselves - I emphasize this - and to liberate our currently occupied territories. We are grateful to the Canadian government for joining the ‘Leopard Coalition’ and we hope to see the supply of heavy weapons, in particular, tanks, armored vehicles, as well as ammunition, expand. We also discussed this with the prime minister and members of government today," Shmyhal said.

The parties to the meeting also discussed participation of Canadian companies in the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine.

"This will be the largest project in Europe since World War 2. According to World Bank estimates, today we are talking about $411 billion worth of destruction and losses that Russia has inflicted on Ukraine... We are waiting for the decision of the Canadian government regarding the use of financial instruments to stimulate the operations of Canadian companies in Ukraine," Shmyhal said.

The prime minister of Ukraine thanked all Canadians for their loyal and steadfast assistance to Ukraine and Ukrainians. According to Shmyhal, Canadian weapons allow the country to protect its lands while Canada's financial aid allows the government to keep the economy afloat, save jobs, and provide assistance to those who lost their homes due to Russian terror.

"Canada's humanitarian assistance enables the demining of farmland, preservation of crops, support for vulnerable strata, and investigation of war crimes. Ukraine feels the strong support and principled position of Canada in order to stop the aggressor," he said.

According to Shmyhal, “we all understand the risks for the free and democratic world when aggression, similar to the one currently being committed by the Russian Federation against Ukraine, remains unpunished.”

"And we are grateful to Canada and all our allies for supporting our country. We appreciate action. And we believe that Canadian support and the support of our allies will continue up to Ukraine’s complete victory," Shmyhal said.

In addition, the head of government noted that Ukraine received direct support from the Ukrainian community in Canada and the Canadian people.

"We receive direct support from the Ukrainian community in Canada, as well as the Canadian people. This is extremely warmly received by the Ukrainians. This fills us up and makes it clear that we are not alone in this fight," Shmyhal said.

He reported that Ukraine had received more than $50 million from Canada in humanitarian and social donations, which were used for procuring medicines, foodstuffs, and other necessities.

As reported, Canada and Ukraine expanded their free trade agreement.

Photo: Twitter/Our Canada