In kyiv, the Canadian Embassy reopened with a new mission

” We work according to Ukrainian priorities. […] During the war, you have to be agile and you have to be flexible. We need to find out how we can continue our relationships in a new context with all our partners. “

Ukraine is calling for more weapons to repel Russia’s enemy, more humanitarian aid to support its population and more financial aid to bail out its economy, which is expected to consume 45% this year, according to Organization. United Nations.

Life has returned to some resemblance to normalcy in kyiv since the departure of Russian troops in the north of the country. However, the scars of war are clearly visible. Checkpoints block roads. Sandbags and barricades are scattered around the buildings. Subburbs similar to those surrounding Montreal or Toronto, where a young generation full of hope have brought the future of the country, are completely destroyed.

Larisa Galadza admitted that the environment was stressful, but she was happy to be able to continue her activities. Since her return to kyiv, Ms Galadza has spoken to three Ukrainian ministers.

These meetings, as well as those held with members of Parliament or civil society, allow him to gather information that will inform the next actions of the Canadian government. They are in a good position to describe to us in detail the situation on the ground; the political situation, the economic situation, the military and security situationadded the ambassador.

Financial and moral support

So far, Ottawa has promised President Volodymyr Zelinsky to spend $ 181 million on military equipment and $ 270 million for humanitarian aid. In the last budget, Justin Trudeau’s government also provided a billion dollars in the form of a loan administered by the International Monetary Fund.

This support, along with other friendly countries, allowed Ukraine’s armed forces to reclaim the territory. In recent days, they have expelled Vladimir Putin’s soldiers from Kharkiv, the country’s second largest city.

All that, moral support, financial support, is important to them. And they are very grateful for Canada’s contributionsaid the ambassador.

Although the embassy’s activities are currently limited, Ms. Galadza that consular services in Ukraine will gradually resume. It all depends on the evolution of the conflict in Russia. So far, our consular officers in Poland are very well placed to serve Canadians.

Despite the lives lost and the infrastructure destroyed, the Canadian ambassador assured that the country would recover from this war because the Ukrainians were determined to achieve victory.