Trudeau promised Ukraine additional military aid of around 500 million Canadian dollars (almost 350 million euros).
(Photo: dpa)
Kyiv Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked Ottawa for new military aid after a surprise visit by Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The most important thing is the delivery of artillery ammunition, he said in his daily video speech on Saturday. He also praised Canada’s commitment to an international coalition to help Ukraine procure western fighter jets.
In return, Kiev is ready to help Canada fight local wildfires if such assistance is needed, Zelenskiy said. At the same time, he again called on international aid organizations to get involved in Russian-occupied territory in view of the devastating floods after the dam was destroyed in southern Ukraine.
On the right, Ukrainian-controlled Dnipro bank, 3,000 people have now been brought to safety from the water masses. In the Russian-controlled area, however, people received no real help from Moscow, said Zelenskiy.
Canada announces new multi-million dollar military aid to Kiev
With a view to the destruction of the Kachowka Dam, Canada is providing another ten million Canadian dollars (almost seven million euros) for humanitarian aid, Trudeau said during his visit to Kiev. At a joint press conference with Zelensky on Saturday, he reiterated continued support for the country under attack from Russia. “Canada stands by Ukraine with whatever it takes and for as long as it takes,” he said. “This is a momentous moment for Ukraine, but also a momentous moment for the world.”
Trudeau promised Ukraine additional military aid of around 500 million Canadian dollars (almost 350 million euros). Canada will also join the multinational training program for Ukrainian fighter pilots and maintenance of Leopard main battle tanks. According to its own statements, the North American NATO state has already provided Kiev with military aid amounting to more than one billion dollars since the beginning of the Russian war of aggression.
Zelenskiy: Ukrainian counterattacks are underway
In his video message, Zelensky only touched on the fighting in the south of the country after previously confirming the start of Ukrainian counterattacks along the front. Counterattacks were under way in Ukraine as part of the defense, he said at a press conference in Kiev on Saturday. “I will not say in detail what stage they are at.” He left open whether this was the beginning of the Ukrainian counter-offensive that had been expected for months.
At the same time, Zelensky contradicted Russia’s President Vladimir Putin, who had declared the previous day that the Ukrainian counter-offensive had begun, but that Kiev had not achieved the goals it had set itself. He would not believe either Telegram channels or Putin who explained the failure of the offensive, Zelensky said. He talks to his generals every day and they are “in a good mood”. “You can tell Putin that.” You can only trust the Ukrainian military.
The Ukrainian general staff has not yet publicly announced the start of the counteroffensive. The offensive has been expected since March. Kiev has received numerous weapon systems from Western allies, including German Leopard infantry fighting vehicles. With the major offensive, the Ukrainian leadership wants to reconquer territories occupied by Russia. Recently there have been reports of heavy fighting in southern Ukraine.
Russian military claims to have destroyed four more Leopard tanks
According to the Russian military, it has fended off further Ukrainian advances in the Zaporizhia region and in southern Donetsk, inflicting high losses on the attackers. “Total losses of Ukrainian forces in the mentioned areas within one day amounted to up to 300 soldiers, 9 tanks, including 4 Leopards, and 11 armored personnel carriers, including 5 American Bradleys,” Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said on Saturday . A French Cesar howitzer was also said to have been destroyed. The information cannot be verified independently.
In view of the flooding, rescue and relief operations are continuing in the area
(Photo: Getty Images)
There were attacks near the city of Orikhiv and on the border between the Zaporizhia and Donetsk regions south of the village of Velyka Novosilka, Konashenkov said. “All of the enemy’s attacks were repelled,” it said, adding that two Ukrainian marching columns were hit by Russian artillery. The Ministry of Defense then presented images of destroyed tanks. Statements by the ministry on Ukrainian losses have often turned out to be exaggerated in the past.
This is how the Handelsblatt reports on the Ukraine war:
What will be important on Sunday
In view of the flooding, rescue and relief operations are continuing in the Cherson region. In some areas the water level is already falling again. Potential further information about the Ukrainian counter-offensive is also eagerly awaited after Zelenskiy spoke of counter-attacks for the first time.
More: You can find the latest developments in our news blog on the Ukraine war