Ukrainian President Selenskyj discusses defence cooperation with Canadian President Trudeau after the attack on Poltava

Kyiv [Ukraine]September 3 (ANI): Following the Russian attack on the Ukrainian city of Poltava that left several people dead, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and said they discussed the continuation of defence cooperation between Ukraine and Canada.

In a post on X, Zelenskyy said the Canadian prime minister expressed his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the Russian attack on Poltava. He said: “I spoke to Justin Trudeau on the phone and informed him about the rescue operation after the Russian shelling of Poltava. The Prime Minister of Canada expressed his condolences to the families of the dead and to the entire Ukrainian people.” In particular, a Russian attack in the city of Poltava targeted an educational institution and a nearby hospital and partially destroyed one of the buildings of the Telecommunications Institute. The attack left 41 people dead and more than 180 injured.

Zelensky further said: “During our conversation, we discussed the continuation of defense cooperation between Ukraine and Canada. I outlined the current needs of our defense forces, including additional air defense systems and armored vehicles.” He added: “I called on the Prime Minister of Canada to lobby partners more to provide Ukraine with permission and the necessary means to attack military targets on the territory of the aggressor country.” The Ukrainian President also stressed the implementation of the bilateral security agreement. He said: “We also focused on our joint work within the framework of the drone coalition and the implementation of the bilateral security agreement signed on February 24 this year.” The two leaders also discussed the conference on the “release of prisoners and deportees” item of the peace formula. “Finally, we discussed the preparation of a thematic conference on the “release of prisoners and deportees” item of the peace formula, which is to be held in Canada,” Zelensky said.

In particular, the attack on Poltava, considered one of the deadliest since the conflict began over 900 days ago on February 24, 2022, has caused widespread destruction and loss of life.

Although the details of the attack are not yet known, it is yet to be confirmed by Russian authorities. The incident has raised concerns about the escalating violence and humanitarian crisis in the region. (ANI)