Ukraine’s President In Canada Amid Tensions With Allies
By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News
WASHINGTON/OTTAWA (Worthy News) – Ukraine’s president arrived in Canada on Friday amid signs of diplomatic tensions with several members of the NATO military alliance over grain imports and military aid.
Volodymyr Zelensky’s first trip to Canada since Russia’s invasion in February 2022 came after he lobbied for more weapons in Washington D.C., with U.S. President Joe Biden approving a further $325 million in military aid.
The package includes upgrades to air defenses – but not the long-range missiles Zelensky had sought. Biden tried to play down these differences. “Russia believes the world will grow weary and allow it to brutalize Ukraine without consequence,” he said, suggesting the latest package shows Moscow is mistaken.
The U.S. Congress has now authorized more than $110 billion in aid to Ukraine.
But ahead of presidential elections next year, polls show support among Americans for further spending has declined, a sentiment shared by Republicans.
Additionally, Zelensky faces a standoff with Poland, the largest NATO state bordering Ukraine: Warsaw refuses to deliver more weapons to Kyiv following a row over grain imports.
Zelensky criticized Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary for banning imports of Ukrainian grain to protect their farmers. Kyiv has been searching for new ways to export its grain after Russia walked away from a deal that allowed Ukraine to export safely through the Black Sea.
Despite the differences with allies, Zelensky tried to show unity as Canadian television showed him merging with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on the runway in Ottawa.
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