Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky visits Canada for first time since Russia invasion

BBC News:

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has arrived in Canada for the first time since the Russian invasion.

Canadian TV showed Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meeting Mr Zelensky and the first lady on the runway in Ottawa.

It comes after increasing doubts from international partners over how it should continue providing aid to Kyiv.

Mr Zelensky arrived from Washington where he had hoped to secure further funding but it is unclear if US Congress will back more aid.

Earlier in the week, he urged world leaders to continue to support Ukraine to help fight off Russian forces at the United Nations in New York.

Diplomatic tensions are on the rise, after Mr Zelensky criticised Poland, Slovakia and Hungary, for banning imports of Ukrainian grain.

Mr Zelensky was joined by First Lady Olena Zelenska where they were greeted on the tarmac by hugs from Canadian officials including Mr Trudeau.

Canada reaffirmed its commitment to Ukraine on arrival – the country’s UN ambassador told news agency Associated Press it needs “to do more” to help.

“We’re going to continue to do everything we can to support the Ukrainian people,” said Bob Rae.

Although this the first in person visit for Mr Zelensky since the war began, he has addressed parliament via video link before.

The president will address parliament again to plea for continued support from a country that has already provided weapons, tanks and training for Ukrainian soldiers.

Its package so far has totalled around $6bn (£4.8bn) but in June Trudeau did pledge his country remained committed to supporting Ukraine.

He will also meet business leaders in Toronto on his trip.