On Wednesday, June 9, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky had a phone conversation with Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau, the press service of the Office of President reports.
The Presidents coordinated positions on key issues on the agenda on the eve of the forthcoming G7 and NATO summits.
Zelensky briefed Justin Trudeau on the security situation in the east and near Ukraine's borders. The President stressed that so far only part of the Russian troops and heavy weapons has been withdrawn from the temporarily occupied territories and from the Ukrainian borders.
"Russia has almost not withdrawn its troops. Out of 105,000 Russian servicemen, only 11,000 went back,” Volodymyr Zelensky said.
He noted the importance of maintaining international pressure on Russia in order to make real progress in a peaceful settlement.
Volodymyr Zelensky also stressed that the Nord Stream 2 project is a political weapon of Russia.
"We believe that the completion of the Nord Stream 2 will strengthen Russia as a player on the world map," the President said.
In response, Justin Trudeau reaffirmed Canada's unwavering support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as solidarity with our country in countering Russia's lasting aggression.
"We remain great friends. We will continue to support Ukraine," the Prime Minister of Canada stated.
The Presidents discussed practical cooperation to support Ukraine's efforts towards NATO membership. Particular attention was paid to strengthening the coordination of efforts between Ukraine and Canada in the case of the downing of the PS752 flight by Iran and bringing the perpetrators to justice. The parties also touched upon plans for further political dialogue at the highest level. Importantly, Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the invitation to Justin Trudeau to visit Ukraine to participate in the inaugural summit of the Crimean Platform in Kyiv and the events on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Ukraine's independence.