Zelenskyy's 1st visit to Canada since Russia's war 'emotional,' say some Ukrainians

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy greeted a large crowd of supporters at a Canadian Armed Forces facility in Toronto on Friday night and members of the Ukrainian community said the president's visit was particularly emotional for them.

About 1,000 people gathered in the Fort York Armoury to show support for Zelenskyy, who is visiting Canada for the first time since Russian troops began a full-scale assault on Ukraine in February 2022.

"The victory will be ours," Zelenskyy told the crowd.

"I'm happy to be here with my wife, the first lady. Three days together, the first time from the beginning of full-scale war."

Zelenskyy said Ukraine is grateful to Canada for its support.

"Canada trains our guys, our soldiers, our warriors. Canada gives weapons to Ukraine to move forward to push back Russia. I thank you for this. Thank you all."

Earlier in the evening, Zelenskyy met Canadian business leaders at a roundtable in Toronto. Members of Toronto's Ukrainian community told CBC Toronto on Friday that the president's visit is meaningful. 

"A lot of people have been touched by the war," Peter Schturyn, president of the Toronto branch of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, said.

"Obviously all of us have friends and family that have lost someone. And so it's it's very emotional, but at the same time it's very uplifting," he added.

"It's very important for our community to come out together, showing that we support Ukraine, and all that it's doing, fighting off the... invasion that Russia continues to this day."

Zelenskyy arrived at the armoury accompanied by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.

Those in attendance at the event included Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow and Ontario Premier Doug Ford. A number of federal cabinet ministers, including Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly and National Defence Minister Bill Blair, were also present.

The Ukrainian president thanked Canada and Canadians earlier on Friday during an address to Parliament in Ottawa for standing with his country and his people in the war against Russia.

Trudeau has announced that Canada is extending its financial support to Ukraine with a $650-million commitment to give the country more predictable and stable support over the next three years.