It was in a packed Parliament on Tuesday that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky delivered a powerful address to Canadian elected officials, asking them to do more to counter the Russian enemy by imposing a no-fly zone.
• Read also: Zelensky Addresses Parliament: Seven Quotes to Remember
• Read also – [EN DIRECT] 20th day of war in Ukraine: here are all the latest developments
• Read also – Strikes increase in Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities before talks resume
“We want to live. We want to win and be victorious,” he said from his office in the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, which has just imposed a 36-hour curfew due to incessant bombing.
“How can this unprecedented, massive aggression be explained?” he asked.
The sober speech, punctuated with images of a country devastated by war, was warmly welcomed by thunderous applause from the benches of the deputies and the platforms reserved for visitors, where the Chief of Staff sat. of the Canadian Armed Forces, Wayne Eyre.
Repeatedly, Volodymyr Zelensky asked Canadians to “imagine” waking up at 4 a.m. to bombs, to “picture” their cities in debris and the constant “shelling” that kills civilians every day.
Welcoming Canada’s efforts so far, in particular the shipment of weapons, President Zelensky noted, however, that his country’s application for NATO membership still did not benefit from a “clear” response.
Outside parliament, the Ukrainian flag flew high on Tuesday.
Screenshot TVA News
A tribute to his “friend”
As a preamble to the expected speech of the president at war, Justin Trudeau delivered a vibrant tribute to his “friend” a few minutes earlier.
The Prime Minister began by honoring the ties uniting Ukrainians to Canada. The Ukrainian diaspora, resulting from a wave of immigration dating from the last century, is now made up of 1.4 million Canadians, which makes it the second largest in the world, recalled Mr. Trudeau.
“Many of them settled on the Canadian prairies. They worked the land. They built churches, which are distinguished by their beautiful spires. And they have helped shape Canada in significant ways.”
Assuring that Canada would continue to support its Eastern European ally, Justin Trudeau praised his “friend” in front of everyone, with whom he has spoken on numerous occasions since the beginning of the Russian invasion, there is nearly three weeks.
“Volodymyr, since knowing you, I always thought you were a champion of democracy. And now democracies around the world are lucky to have you as their champion.”
The government announced earlier in the day the addition of about fifteen “accomplices” in the Russian invasion to the list of people sanctioned by Canada.
“In Canada, we like to support the oppressed. We believe that when a cause is just and good, it will always prevail, no matter how small the opponent. That doesn’t mean it will be easy. Ukrainians are already paying an incalculable human cost.”
The leaders of the oppositions each delivered a speech in the Chamber, demonstrating their unwavering support and praising the President of Ukraine.
Conservative leader Candice Bergen has called on the government to work with its allies to further “secure” Ukrainian airspace, “at a minimum the airspace above humanitarian corridors.”
The resumption of talks between Russia and Ukraine resumed during the day on Tuesday, when a 36-hour curfew was imposed in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv.