Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky set to address Parliament amid Russian attack
CBC
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to deliver a virtual address to Parliament today as his country continues to defend itself from Russian attack.
Ahead of the address, the federal government announced new restrictions on 15 Russian officials who "enabled and supported President [Vladimir] Putin's choice to invade a peaceful and sovereign country."
Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly said the additions include military personnel and generals.
"Bit by bit, like you're seeing every day, our goal is to increase our pressure on the Russian regime, and we're sanctioning these individuals because they're part of the decision-making that is linked to the catastrophe that we're seeing in Ukraine right now," she said Tuesday from the hall of West Block.
The day is expected to kick off around 11:15 a.m. ET with remarks by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, to be followed by Zelensky's speech.
CBC News will carry it live on CBC News Network, CBCNews.ca and the CBC News app.
After Zelensky's speech, the Speaker of the Senate and the Speaker of the House will address the House, followed by the leaders of the three main Opposition parties and a member of the Green Party.
Parliament is not scheduled to sit until March 21, but House Speaker Anthony Rota approved a special request to hold the address. MPs and senators will be in the House for the event.
WATCH | Fire breaks out at Kyiv apartment after Russian shelling
Zelensky addressed the British House of Commons earlier this month and is scheduled to speak to members of the U.S. House and Senate on Wednesday.
His speech comes as Russia's offensive in Ukraine edged closer to central Kyiv Tuesday morning. Shortly before dawn, large explosions were reported across Kyiv from what Ukrainian authorities said were artillery strikes.
Russian and Ukrainian negotiators also planned to resume talks Tuesday after they were paused on Monday.
Speaking to northern European leaders earlier Tuesday, Zelensky pushed for a full trade embargo on Russia, saying sanctions so far have not been enough to counter the Russian advance.
"We have to acknowledge Russia as a rogue state and there has to be a trade embargo with Russia," Zelensky said to the Joint Expeditionary Force.
