Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Ruslan Stefanchuk, met with Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Mélanie Joly and Minister of National Defence Bill Blair
As part of his visit to Canada, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk held a meeting with Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Mélanie Joly and Minister of National Defense Bill Blair.
Ruslan Stefanchuk began by expressing gratitude to Canada for its comprehensive support of Ukraine, including military, financial, and humanitarian assistance. “We deeply value Canada’s steadfast position in supporting Ukraine for as long as it takes,” he emphasized.
The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine also extended special thanks for the provision of the NASAMS air defense system, which plays a critical role in protecting Ukrainian skies.
During the meeting, the parties focused on the security situation in Ukraine amidst ongoing Russian escalation. Ruslan Stefanchuk noted that Russia is deploying military personnel from North Korea, using Iranian drones to attack Ukrainian cities, and has even launched an intercontinental ballistic missile.
In these circumstances, the Speaker of the Ukrainian Parliament stressed Ukraine’s urgent need for enhanced defense support. “My main message is the need for more heavy precision weapons, ammunition, and drones. We must defeat the enemy on the battlefield,” emphasized Ruslan Stefanchuk.
The prospects for joint weapons production were also discussed. Ruslan Stefanchuk expressed confidence that there is significant potential for cooperation between Ukraine and Canada in this area.
The meeting also paid special attention to Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic integration.