JUST IN: Ukraine President Zelensky Thanks Canadian Lawmakers During Address In Ottawa
On Friday, President Volodymyr Zelensky delivered a speech before Canadian Parliament to thank Canada for their continued support throughout the war in Ottawa.
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00:00 (Applause.)
00:04 Mr. Speaker, parliamentarians, honored guests, friends, we gather today at a pivotal point
00:11 in history.
00:12 It's a time of incredible uncertainty.
00:17 Attacks upon the rules-based international order, threat to opening, the peace and prosperity
00:23 that have been the bedrock of Canada's success.
00:26 This is a challenge of us to confront with lion-hearted courage and the world on all
00:39 levels of cooperation, and our friend here with us in our house today, President of Ukraine,
00:59 Vladimir Putin, who launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, a huge campaign of violence,
01:19 brutality, that has left countless dead, almost millions fleeing.
01:25 And the people of Ukraine, their language, their people, their ability to defend their
01:35 own language, their own will, their desire to live and to elect their future.
01:42 And President Zelensky, a great champion of democracy.
01:46 In March of last year, you addressed our parliament, and I had the opportunity to address your
01:57 parliament, the Parliament of Ukraine, which is a huge, huge, huge Canadian flag in the
02:06 room.
02:07 And I was very pleased to see many Canadian flags in the room of the Ukrainian parliament.
02:13 And today, you personally speak at the joint meeting of both parliaments, and you do it
02:20 to remind us that in your country, Russia continues its aggression, and that Ukrainians sacrifice
02:29 their lives.
02:30 President Zelensky, we often talk to you, we talk about what happened, the destruction
02:39 of the nuclear power plant in Zaporizhzhya, about the terrible consequences for the environment
02:46 that Russia is engaged in, about the huge humanitarian costs, about the theft of children.
02:54 I personally had the opportunity to see the terrible destruction that has caused Putin's
03:02 activities.
03:03 I also saw it in the face of your citizens, in the faces of the abandoned homes, the abandoned
03:10 structures, the abandoned bridges, the abandoned houses.
03:13 I also saw it in the face of your Ukrainian citizens.
03:17 Everyone I spoke to, I saw in the backs of their eyes the weight of this war, the heavy
03:25 responsibility that this war has on the lives of the citizens.
03:33 The constant expectation of sirens, the alarm.
03:37 The consequences of this war on the mental health of Ukrainians are also extremely serious.
03:44 And I know that the First Lady, Mrs. Zelensky, is dealing with this issue.
03:50 And also, Canada is helping and financing this work on the mental health of Ukrainians.
04:16 When rules-based borders so much like the one in Syria are being destroyed, Russia has
04:26 a very high capacity for preventable hardship as Russia.
04:30 It has reigned over the source of grain and it has created starvation for the most vulnerable
04:36 groups of people in the world.
04:38 President Zelensky, you are a rules-based nation in the balance.
04:43 You are on the front lines of protecting this world order.
04:48 But not only are you fighting for Ukraine, but also for the future in which we will all
04:54 live.
04:55 Rules matter.
04:57 After the Second World War, the most bloody military conflict that humanity has ever known,
05:09 the nations have agreed on the rules and principles of peaceful coexistence.
05:19 For 75 years, these rules have provided a peaceful life and allowed people to live in peace,
05:29 to develop and finance their future.
05:33 And also, millions of people have come out of poverty.
05:37 And the world has lived in a period of prosperity.
05:42 What Putin has done is a violation of civilization.
05:47 It is an attempt to disassemble the rules of the world.
05:53 It is a violation of human rights.
05:56 It is a weakening of the rules-based order.
05:59 It is a violation of human rights.
06:02 It is a violation of human freedom.
06:07 It is a violation of human rights.
06:10 It is a violation of human freedom.
06:13 It is a violation of human rights.
06:16 It is a violation of human rights.
06:19 It is a violation of human rights.
06:22 It is a violation of human rights.
06:25 It is a violation of human rights.
06:28 The Ukrainians defend not only their freedom, but also the freedom of all people and their friends around the world.
06:37 That is why we must fight and use all possible means.
06:44 We must speak out against any violation of national sovereignty and violation of international law.
06:52 A violation of international law is a violation of human rights.
06:58 An aggressor must be held accountable for his actions.
07:03 This has always been and remains the position of our government.
07:10 That is why we will fight against autocratic states.
07:14 We will help those who defend international law and human rights.
07:20 We will help those who defend human rights.
07:25 That is why we will fight against any violation of international law.
07:30 We will fight against any violation of international law.
07:35 We will fight against any violation of international law.
07:40 We will fight against any violation of international law.
07:43 We will fight against any violation of international law.
07:48 This is a time of political and media propaganda.
07:53 But in this era of uncertainty and competition between countries, the rules can protect us.
08:02 But in this era of uncertainty and competition between countries, the rules can protect us.
08:07 It is not enough to just write them down.
08:09 They must be pushed forward, they must be defended, and we must live by these rules.
08:14 History will judge us on how we defended democratic values.
08:19 History will judge us on how we defended democratic values.
08:22 And Ukraine is a great challenge of the 21st century.
08:26 And Ukraine is a great challenge of the 21st century.
08:29 That is why Canada and Canadians will be with Ukraine.
08:33 That is why we are fighting Russia.
08:35 That is why we are fighting Russia.
08:38 That is why we are happy to welcome more than 175,000 Ukrainians, some of whom are here with us.
08:51 [The sound of a jet engine]
09:10 There are those who have come from Bucha, from Kharkov.
09:16 There are also Ukrainian scientists who have found a shelter in Canada.
09:22 Because their experience in the field of clean economy allows them to get rid of the dependence of the world on fossil fuels.
09:31 There are also leaders of the Ukrainian-Canadian community, Joan and Orisa.
09:36 They are also representatives of Ukrainian immigrants who moved to Canada centuries ago.
09:47 And now those refugees have joined them who are trying to escape the Putin's bombs.
09:53 Also with us are Agnes and Susan, who lost their brother Anthony.
09:59 He was a volunteer. Unfortunately, he was killed in the aftermath of the Russian attack, literally 12 days ago.
10:09 He was killed along with other people in the aftermath of the provocative aggression of the Kremlin.
10:15 Today in our gallery there are many Ukrainians who have come to express their support and gratitude to you, Vladimir Zelensky.
10:25 But we also have to thank you for remaining united and in solidarity with the principles of freedom and democracy.
10:35 [The sound of a jet engine]
10:53 Mr. President Zelensky, I have clearly stated that our government will help you as much as it is necessary.
11:05 Canada has given approximately $9 billion in military, financial and humanitarian aid to Ukraine since the beginning of Putin's aggression.
11:16 We will also send you long-term aid to Ukraine.
11:25 We are talking about $650 million for three years.
11:29 This is for 50 armored vehicles and special vehicles for sanitary evacuation that will be built in the province of Ontario.
11:40 We will also send F-16 instructors and F-16 technicians to ensure that Ukraine can use its aircraft as effectively as possible.
11:57 We will continue to work with NATO partners to provide unconditional support and assistance.
12:05 We will provide economic assistance to Ukraine in the coming year, of course, to ensure that Ukraine is a powerful, dynamic and prosperous country.
12:17 But our greatest hope is that you will not need this military and financial aid for a very long time.
12:27 And that peace will return to your country soon. But this cannot be some kind of wrong peace based on a compromise with aggression.
12:37 In order for there to be a lasting peace, we must stand up against Putin.
12:42 So that he cannot return us to the times when the force determined who was right and who was wrong.
12:50 A lasting peace must be based on the commitment to the borders, regardless of the number of armed forces.
13:00 This peace must restore the right of Ukrainians to determine their own future.
13:05 Canada is helping and joining the formula of peace in Ukraine. We are convinced that peace must be based on the rules and on the commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.
13:22 We must fight for such peace. And this is what Ukraine has been doing during these times of aggression.
13:30 Putin thought he would return to Kyiv quickly.
13:35 But you have done so that this has not happened.
13:43 You have organized support from all over the world.
13:47 You have created strong ties with democratic allies.
13:54 So, Mr. President, we see you here in this Parliament. We see so many proud and courageous Ukrainians here today.
14:04 After all that you have experienced, this is a testament to the fact that your country is strong in the struggle.
14:13 You have shown the world that you are a true leader, even in the most difficult of times.
14:24 You fight with a sense of hope. You are committed to the security and progress of your people.
14:32 In times like these, leaders who understand the true strength of the world need leaders who understand that the true strength is not just empowering, but empowering people.
14:48 It is about respecting the humanitarian principles and the dignity of each person.
14:57 This is a strength in security and in co-existence.
15:04 In times of crisis, we need to work harder to defend our independence.
15:13 When a story is written about these times, it will say that you were among those who stood up and fought,
15:21 despite the difficulties. You were among those who helped those in need.
15:29 You were among those who defended the rules and those who put justice, hope and freedom above all else.
15:40 We know that democracy is one of the greatest expressions of freedom.
15:45 It gives us the right to have a voice, to choose our future, to protect our justice and responsibility.
15:55 But democracy does not happen by accident. It must be protected by our actions.
16:02 We must defend it and strengthen it with all our might.
16:07 Vladimir, my friend, you have a unique understanding of this. You fight against Putin every day.
16:16 We will be with you and all the heroes in this brave fight as long as it is necessary.
16:25 (Applause)
16:36 Mr. Speaker, it is now my great honor to invite the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, to speak before our Parliament.
16:47 (Applause)
17:10 Thank you so much.
17:17 (Applause)
17:28 Thank you so much.
17:30 Dear ladies and gentlemen of Canada, before I start, I just want to remind you of one thing.
17:45 This thing is very important to understand both Ukraine and Canada.
17:53 What we are up to, what we need to do and do together.
18:01 1983, the city of Edmonton.
18:08 Its history is closely linked to the destiny of Ukraine and the Ukrainian community in Canada.
18:17 That year, in Edmonton, the first monument to the victims of the Holodomor was built.
18:24 The first in the world.
18:26 (Applause)
18:31 Thank you so much.
18:33 (Applause)
18:41 It was built to commemorate the genocide against the Ukrainian people.
18:48 Genocide that was ordered and carried out by Moscow.
18:53 The first ever monument to the Holodomor.
18:58 At that time, Ukraine did not yet have memorials commemorating the victims of genocide of Ukrainians.
19:07 Because Ukraine was under Moscow's control back then.
19:12 This fall will mark the 40th anniversary of that fall.
19:18 And it is very important to commemorate the victims of the Holodomor.
19:24 A lot has changed since then.
19:28 Ukraine gained independence.
19:32 Ukraine is restoring its own historical memory.
19:37 Dozens of other countries, their parliaments, their governments have already recognized the Holodomor as the genocide of the Ukrainian people.
19:49 And this year alone, there have been 11 of such recognitions.
19:56 And I am sure that the whole world will recognize the truth about the Holodomor.
20:04 But there is something that has not changed either in 40 years since the monument was built in Edmonton or in 90 years since the Holodomor.
20:18 Moscow, as always, is trying to control Ukraine and is using all available means, including genocide.
20:29 It is genocide.
20:32 Genocide is what Russian occupiers are doing to Ukraine.
20:37 And when we want to win, when we call on the world, the world is not just about ordinary conflicts.
20:47 We are talking about the salvation of millions of people.
20:51 Literally, physical salvation of ordinary women, men, children, our families, communities, entire cities.
21:06 The destruction of Mariupol, Volnovakha, Bakhmut, or any other city or village in Ukraine should not be left without punishment.
21:33 Life and justice must prevail everywhere in Ukraine and for all Ukrainians.
21:39 This Russian aggression must end with our victory.
21:45 Yes.
22:00 So that Russia will never again commit genocide against Ukraine.
22:06 And even if it tried to do it, it will lose to Moscow.
22:11 Once and for all.
22:12 And it will lose.
22:14 Honourable Speaker, Honourable Justin, Prime Minister, Ladies and Gentlemen, Members of the Government, Members of all the communities and cities, all citizens of Canada.
22:34 You know, in my opinion, one of the most startling qualities of your country is that it is not an empty word.
22:46 Another extremely important fact about you is that you never, ever make a political bet on hatred and enmity.
22:58 And you are always on the bright side of the story.
23:04 Thank you.
23:06 That's true.
23:12 Can I say something?
23:18 During the First World War and during the terrible wars, during the Second World War and during the Cold War, you always defended freedom, you always defended justice.
23:36 I have no doubt that you will choose the side of freedom and justice when Russia launched a full-scale war against Ukraine.
23:47 Thank you.
23:49 But it is never enough to choose the right side.
23:55 You need to be a leader on this side.
23:59 And you do.
24:01 You are a leader.
24:03 And I thank you for that, Canada.
24:07 Thank you.
24:11 Thank you very much.
24:13 Thank you very much for your political support for Ukraine.
24:21 And it is true support for a leader.
24:24 And it is global.
24:26 Because when you are fighting for something, when you are fighting for the good in human nature, the force of neutrality looks obviously immoral.
24:39 When one sees two leaders, who are afraid to be real, who are afraid to become, afraid to go to a variance, to change, or to be looked down.
24:54 And I thank you, Canada, for being a real example of leadership and honesty for many people around the world.
25:03 An example that inspires others to protect their lives.
25:08 Canada's support for Ukraine with weapons and equipment has allowed us to save thousands of lives.
25:16 This includes air defense, and armored vehicles, and artillery shells, and very significant assistance in demining.
25:27 Thank you very much.
25:29 Canada's leadership in sanctions against Russia, because of this war, because of this terror, really encourages others in the world to follow your lead.
25:39 And I am especially grateful for your extremely strong, 100% leadership support of the Ukrainian movement to NATO.
25:49 For your strong participation in training our soldiers.
25:53 It's very hard, it's a very tradition that Canada trains those who protect the world.
26:00 Thousands.
26:02 Thousands.
26:04 Thousands and thousands of pilots are in the world now.
26:23 Thousands of Ukrainians now.
26:26 And this is what makes victory strong.
26:31 Such a powerful, such an indispensable.
26:35 This is training.
26:37 Thank you very much for this.
26:39 Thank you for your support.
26:41 Thank you for helping Ukraine get rid of dependence on the Russian nuclear war.
26:46 This is an achievement, not only for us.
26:50 Because Ukraine and Canada, together with their partners and real friends, are demonstrating to everyone
26:58 that it is quite realistic to completely cut off our ties with Russian nuclear technologies.
27:08 And this is to be purely technological risk that they bring.
27:16 The Russian nuclear industry also serves political expansion of Moscow.
27:20 Russia uses nuclear technology and construction of nuclear power plants, gas and oil, for political attacks on the sovereignty of other countries.
27:34 Russia is trying to break the sovereignty of other countries by manipulating energy resources.
27:42 And all, not just nuclear, all energy resources. The more countries are free from Russian energy resources,
27:50 the faster the energy in the world will become just energy again.
27:56 Energy resource.
27:58 Not weapons.
28:10 Not a weapon against sovereignty.
28:15 Another important area of cooperation is justice.
28:20 Today, in talks with Prime Minister Justin, we discussed the Canadian initiative for the G7 at the time.
28:29 And first, to confiscate Russian assets.
28:33 Those funds, the Russian and its henchmen used to pay for their war, to be used to fairly compensate for the damage caused by war and terror.
29:02 Active and global work is also required by Russia to justice for the crime of aggression itself.
29:10 And for absolutely all crimes for this aggression.
29:14 All deaths, every deportation of every child, every adult, every life needs to be protected.
29:23 And every attack nation needs justice.
29:27 The rule needs is truth.
29:30 So that other potential aggressors can see that war ends in verdicts for the aggressor.
29:38 And I urge Canada, understand that you are undermining the ability of other countries,
29:45 especially in this matter of justice, of prosecuting the aggression, of compensation for aggression,
29:55 so that the aggressor can feel how strong justice is.
30:00 And first of all, I would like to thank you, Canada, for your human faith,
30:05 for making Ukrainians feel at home when they are here in Canada.
30:13 Thank you.
30:15 Thank you.
30:17 Thank you so much.
30:19 Thank you so much.
30:21 Thank you so much.
30:23 And this is not just a legacy of history, this is a legacy of character.
30:39 The Ukrainian-Canadian community is about the millions of Ukrainian destinies
30:45 that have become the destiny of Canada with all its diversity of communities, freedom, loving, courage,
30:57 our special inner call for justice.
31:01 That ability of our people to share comfort wherever they go, to build a way not to ruin or to violate.
31:10 Ukrainian flags in Canada are a part of everyday life, as absolute trust to Canada in Ukraine.
31:19 In fact, such proximity provides many answers, including answers to the question about this war.
31:27 Can we give up? No.
31:31 Can we betray good in human nature? No.
31:36 Can we agree to evil? No.
31:41 Can we allow our identity to be erased? No.
31:48 Ukraine and Canada are the same. We stand and we fight for life.
31:54 Ukraine, not genocide, will be victorious in this war.
32:00 People will be the winners, not the Kremlin.
32:06 Freedom will be the winner, justice will be the winner.
32:10 You can know this for sure about us, because you know for sure about yourself
32:16 that you will never submit to evil.
32:22 (Applause)
32:40 (In Russian)
32:49 (Applause)
33:06 (In Russian)
33:31 (Applause)
33:49 (In Russian)
34:12 (Applause)
34:20 (In Russian)
34:41 (In Russian)
35:08 (Applause)
35:18 (Applause)
35:38 (Applause)
35:58 (Applause)
36:18 (Applause)
36:38 (Applause)
36:50 Thank you, Mr. President.
36:52 (In Russian)