Zelenskyy Touts Further Western Support In Latest Address to Ukraine: In his nightly national address on Thursday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described a conversation with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and teased a number of “important international events” for the next week that could bolster his military’s defense capabilities.
What Did Trudeau Say?
In his address, Zelenskyy confirmed that he had a “good conversation” with the Canadian prime minister that focused on strengthening defense cooperation between the two countries.
“I am grateful to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and all Canadians for the principled leadership on sanctions policy,” Zelenskyy said. “Every sanction step against Russia for the war that has already been taken by the free world really helps us bring peace closer.”
The office of the Canadian Prime Minister also published information about the call, describing a conversation about ongoing military, humanitarian, financial, and other forms of aid for Ukraine. The Canadian PM’s office said that Canada will continue to provide support “for as long as necessary.”
“The two leaders discussed President Zelenskyy’s initiative for a just peace, and Prime Minister Trudeau affirmed Canada’s commitment to support Ukraine in working toward a sustainable peace that secures Ukraine’s free and democratic future, ensures its ability to defend itself, and deters future Russian aggression,” the statement reads.
Ukraine: What’s Coming Next Week?
Also in Zelenskyy’s address, the Ukrainian president teased “important international events” being prepared for next week.
Zelenskyy only said that the events “could give Ukraine more defense support this winter” along with “more military capabilities,” though stopped short of providing any additional information about what is planned.
Given recent reports about the White House’s apparent willingness to begin sending Patriot missile systems to Ukraine, however, it could be the case that events will be held next week to announce the gifting of these systems.
The events may also include meetings between world leaders to discuss plans to continue to bolster Ukraine’s air defense, with European countries joining the White House in providing more advanced surface-to-air missile systems in an effort to accelerate the end of the conflict.
Supplying long-range weapons to Ukraine will not only make it easier to preemptively strike Russian military positions ahead of future missile bombardments on Ukrainian energy and residential infrastructure but could also push Russian forces further out of Ukraine.
As Russian troops work continue to move out of the firing range of Ukrainian missile systems, Ukrainian troops will have an opportunity to return to territories lost earlier this year.
It remains to be seen, however, how Russia will respond if these rumored plans go ahead.
Jack Buckby is 19FortyFive’s Breaking News Editor.
