Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the Canadian Parliament and asked Canada to help establish a no-fly zone.
“Can you imagine the famous CN Tower in Toronto being bombed by Russia,” said Zelenskyy.
“Of course, I don’t wish this on anyone but this is our reality in which we will have to contemplate and we have to see where the next bombing will take place,”.
The address came after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had already rejected Zelenskyy’s request to establish a no-fly zone over Ukraine in order to avoid triggering an escalation from Russia.
“Please understand how important it is for us to close our airspace from Russian missiles and Russian aircraft,” said Zelenskyy
Zelenskyy’s request comes after constant shelling by Russia resulting in the death of 97 children in Ukraine and drew comparisons in his address on Tuesday morning.
“We are not asking for much. We are asking for justice. For real support which will help us to prevail,” said Zelenskyy in the address.
Just like in his address to the British Parliament last week, Zelenskyy requested Canada to increase its efforts to support Ukraine.
“I hope you can understand you can increase your efforts and increase sanctions so they (Russia) don’t have enough to fund their war efforts.”
University of Toronto Political Science professor Nelson Wiseman said there is only so much that Canada can do in this situation.
“Canada is worried. Whatever Canada does will be in coordination with its NATO allies. Canada is not an elite player here, Canada is a follower.”
Canada’s stance has been in support of Ukraine, however, Wiseman says our military is left with few options.
“The limitation on Canada is the kind of equipment it has, which is primarily defensive equipment.”
Wiseman is hopeful recent negotiations will be successful.
“I believe that some sort of agreement is going to be made between Russia and Ukraine towards the end of this week or sometime,” said Wiseman.
Zelenskyy becomes the third Ukrainian president to address the Canadian parliament joining a long list of international officials which include Malala Yousafzai in 2017, Winston Churchill in 1941, and many more to do so.
A total of 59 international officials have been asked to address the Canadian Parliament.
Zelenskyy will address the U.S. Congress on Wednesday.