The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Ruslan Stefanchuk, concluded his working visit to Canada with a series of important meetings in the capital city of Ottawa. During his stay, he discussed priorities for defense, humanitarian, and financial support for Ukraine and expressed gratitude to Canada for its leadership in supporting Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression. This, in turn, will contribute to strengthening Ukrainian-Canadian bilateral relations.

Ruslan Stefanchuk held a meeting with members of the Canada-Ukraine Parliamentary Friendship Group in the House of Commons of the Parliament of Canada.

During the meeting, the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada thanked Canadian MPs for the close cooperation between the two parliaments, their active participation and collaboration on international platforms, and their resolute support for Ukraine. Special emphasis was placed on Canada's leadership in the confiscation of frozen Russian assets and the return of Ukrainian children illegally taken by Russia.

While discussing the security situation, Ruslan Stefanchuk highlighted the importance of enhancing defense support, particularly the supply of additional air defense systems, artillery, and combat aircraft. He also stressed that Ukraine must have the ability to use the provided weapons without restrictions.

A particularly significant meeting was held with the Governor General of Canada, Mary Simon, where the primary focus was on humanitarian issues. Ruslan Stefanchuk expressed gratitude to all Canadians for their assistance to Ukrainian citizens who were forced to seek temporary refuge in Canada due to Russian aggression.

The topic of protecting the interests of the indigenous peoples of Ukraine, in particular the Crimean Tatars, who face oppression and persecution in temporarily occupied Crimea, was also raised. Additionally, the meeting addressed the matter of returning Ukrainian children abducted by Russia and the necessity of uniting the international community to ensure the return of these children to their homeland.

During the talks with the Speaker of the House of Commons of the Parliament of Canada, Greg Fergus, the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada expressed gratitude for all the decisions adopted in support of Ukraine in political, financial, and defense spheres. Ruslan Stefanchuk urged Canada to support Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic integration, particularly by advocating for an invitation to join NATO, which would be a historic geopolitical decision.

The talks focused on strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities. Ruslan Stefanchuk emphasized Ukraine's primary needs, such as air defense systems, artillery, drones, and electronic warfare equipment.

The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada also called for continued political support for Ukraine in the context of Canada’s upcoming G7 presidency, which he noted would mark an important new chapter in assisting Ukraine.

Ruslan Stefanchuk concluded his visit with words of sincere gratitude to Canada for its comprehensive support and solidarity with Ukraine. He highly praised Canada's determination to provide military, financial, and humanitarian assistance and expressed hope for further strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries.