Trudeau's visit to Kyiv: sanctions, weapons, confiscations, full political support

As last time, for security reasons, his visit was not announced in advance, and official confirmation of the Canadian PM's stay in Ukraine appeared only shortly before his departure. Despite the secrecy surrounding Trudeau's trip, all statements by the prime minister unequivocally indicated what Ukrainians knew before: Canada is Ukraine's reliable and brave partner in joy and sorrow.

WE NEED MORE FRIENDS LIKE CANADA

Given that Canada was the world's second country to recognize the independence of Ukraine, interstate relations are also record long. However, unlike Poland, which was just a few hours ahead of Canada in recognizing Ukraine's sovereignty, Canadian-Ukrainian relations have always been very positive. Although there were some misunderstandings between Kyiv and Ottawa, consensus was reached relatively quickly on almost all issues. It is not surprising that after the all-out Russian invasion began, Canada has already allocated more than $6 billion to Ukraine in humanitarian, military, financial and other assistance. Per capita, this is one of the highest figures among countries worldwide. It is not for nothing that during his meeting with Trudeau, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that "we need more friends like Canada." Before its leader's visit to Kyiv, Canada prepared a long list of decisions and announcements, each of which brings Ukraine's victory closer.

WEAPONS, MORE WEAPONS AND EVEN MORE WEAPONS

Trudeau began his visit to Kyiv with a visit to Mykhailivska Square, where he honored the memory of Ukrainian defenders who gave their lives in the war against Russia. Minutes before Trudeau was to lay flowers to honor fallen soldiers, a military funeral procession passed by. This mournful procession vividly reminded foreign guests what price Ukraine is paying and what really is at stake.

Trudeau's reaction was quick: within a few hours, he announced that Canada would provide Ukraine with a new defense aid package worth $400 million. Although he did not specify what exactly these funds would be used for, Ukrainian defenders will definitely find a good use for them. In addition, Canada also decided to extend the UNIFIER training mission until 2026. As part of the mission, more than 36,000 Ukrainian defenders have already been taught modern combat skills over the past eight years.

Another important announcement was Canada's decision to join a fighter jet coalition for Ukraine, agreeing not only to train Ukrainian pilots, but also to help maintain Ukraine's future F-16 aircraft fleet. In continuation of the "technical" theme, Canada also decided to help with the work of the maintenance center for Leopard 2 tanks in Poland.

Despite the fact that Canada has already significantly exhausted the reserves of its own warehouses with its generous military aid to Ukraine, the Ukrainian Armed Forces will soon receive another 10,000 Canadian-made 105 mm projectiles and 288 more AIM-7 missiles for warding off Russian airstrikes. Finally, Canada will send 122 armored vehicles manufactured by Canada's Roshel to Ukraine in the coming weeks. Since the beginning of the year, 78 such vehicles have already been delivered to Ukrainian defenders and have received very favorable reviews.

CANADA BEGINS CONFISCATION OF RUSSIAN ASSETS

Although Ukrainians usually pay the most attention to the military assistance of partners, other aspects of international solidarity, particularly sanctions, are also important. Of course, Canada is not lagging behind in this issue either, and during his stay in Kyiv, Trudeau announced the beginning of his government's confiscation of the An-124 aircraft of the Russian sanctioned airline Volga-Dnepr. This cargo plane arrived in Toronto three days after the full-scale Russian invasion began and was unable to take off when Canadian airspace was closed to Russian aircraft. Since then, it has been standing motionless at Toronto International Airport, to which it already owes about $500,000 for parking services. When the confiscation process is officially completed, the plane will be handed over to Ukraine, the first such case in Canadian history.

In general, it was Canada that was the first Group of Seven nation to pass legislation that allowed the state to seize the assets and funds of the Russian state and sanctioned individuals for their further transfer to Ukraine. Earlier, Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich's stake in a Canadian metallurgical company faced possible confiscation. However, this story is still far from over, but the Russian An-124 may soon start helping the Ukrainian defense.

In addition, Trudeau announced a new anti-Russian sanctions package, which included 24 individuals and 17 institutions involved in the destruction of Ukrainian cultural values. Viktor Yanukovych and his son Oleksandr were also among those sanctioned, in addition to the collaborators who head Ukrainian museums in the occupied cities. Taking into account these new sanctions, Canadian restrictive measures are already in place against more than 2,600 individuals and entities associated with attempts to violate the sovereignty of Ukraine.

RUSSIA WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR KAKHOVKA DAM BREACH

The issue of Russia's responsibility and punishment for crimes committed in Ukraine is a priority in Canada's foreign policy. However, when asked about the culprit behind the destruction of the Kakhovka HPP dam, Trudeau first tried to avoid a direct answer, noting that the "destruction of the dam was the direct consequence of Russia's decision to invade a peaceful neighbor." However, he later admitted that "Russia is responsible and will be held to account." To overcome the immediate consequences of this Russian crime, Canada allocated more than $36 million and pledged to provide Ukraine with additional resources for post-flood reconstruction.

UKRAINE WILL BE PART OF NATO

Trudeau summed up his visit to Ukraine by delivering a speech in the Verkhovna Rada. "We all want Ukraine to win and for this war to end as soon as possible. We all want peace, peace for Ukrainians, but peace on Ukrainian terms. Russia must completely and unconditionally withdraw all its military forces from Ukraine!" he told the Ukrainian MPs and ministers.

In his speech, the Canadian prime minister directly said that he sees Ukraine as a member of NATO, albeit under certain conditions. "Canada supports Ukraine to become a NATO member as soon as conditions allow for it," he said.

Probably, this firm political support is the main result of this visit. With a much smaller population and a smaller military budget, Canada will never be able to match the U.S. or UK in terms of security assistance. However, Canada is probably the best in the world at assembling powerful international coalitions capable of achieving stunning results. "Canada really has some of the most powerful connections in the world, 21 members of OPEC, 31 members of the UN, members of other organizations. We will spread the same message everywhere that we need to help Ukraine, fight for these values, because Canada perfectly understands what we are talking about," Trudeau said in the Verkhovna Rada.

Despite all the vicissitudes of the world, war and sorrow, Trudeau's secret visit to Kyiv showed that true friends are known in adversity and that Canada, according to its prime minister, will support the Ukrainian people with all that is necessary, for as long as it takes.

Maksym Nalyvaiko, Ottawa

Photo credit: Office of the President of Ukraine