Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the plight of his country and its people in stark terms in a video address to Canada’s Parliament on March 15, 2022 — the 20^th day of a bloody and unprovoked Russian military invasion.

“Dear guests, can you imagine that every day you receive memorandums about the number of casualties, including the amount of women and children?” Mr. Zelenskyy said through an interpreter.

“Your children asking you, what happened? And you’re receiving the first news of which infrastructure objects have been bombed and destroyed by the Russian Federation. And you know how many people have already died.

“You know that this is a war to annihilate your country. You know that this is a war to subjugate a people.

“How can you explain to your children?”

Mr. Zelenskyy thanked Canada for its support to date but said the country will have to do more to stop Russian and protect Ukraine.

“We want to live and we want to be victorious,” he said. “We want to prevail for the sake of life.”

“Glory to Ukraine. Thank you to Canada.”

Speaker of the Senate George J. Furey also had the opportunity to speak at this event, along with other senior parliamentarians. This is what he said:

Mr. President:

On behalf of all senators, Members of the House of Commons and, indeed, on behalf of all Canadians, it is my honour and privilege to thank you for your very powerful and inspiring words today.

Please know that Canadians stand with you.

We know what is at stake.

You are battling for your people, for your country, and for all of us who believe in peace and democracy, in truth and justice.

For all who stand against tyranny, lies and the horrific war crimes that have been committed against the Ukrainian people.

There is a word in the Bible — one word that expresses so much of the courage that you and your fellow Ukrainians are showing the world.

In the original Hebrew, the word is hineni. Literally, it means “here I stand.”

It was said by great Old Testament leaders when called upon to lead their people.

It is a statement of stepping up to leadership in the face of overwhelming odds. It is clearly what you are saying, Mr. President, by your actions, and what all Ukrainians are saying in this time of crisis.

The world is witnessing a Ukraine united more than ever in common cause to secure its place among the family of nations.

As Prime Minister Trudeau has made clear by his words and actions, Canada stands with you.

I know I speak on behalf of all Canadians when I express our admiration for the leadership and courage you have demonstrated as the Ukrainian people struggle to repel a brutal and illegal invasion.

You have shown the world that Ukraine will not cower, will not be vanquished, will not be defeated.

The heart and soul of Ukraine are strong.

Canada recognizes your fortitude, your resilience and your strength of purpose.

Canada stands with Ukraine and her many allies in the pursuit of a swift and peaceful resolution to this conflict.

This resolve rests upon our shared commitment to democracy, to human rights and to the sovereign equality of nations.

For Canadians, Ukraine is permanently woven into the fabric of our culture. Ukraine, simply put, is family.

Mr. President, to you and the people of Ukraine, please be assured of our solidarity in the days and weeks ahead.

Thank you, Mr. President, for your courage.

We thank you once again, Mr. President, for your courage and determination in the face of this horrific onslaught and for your inspiring words today to the people of Canada.

Slava Ukraini.

Watch Mr. Zelenskyy’s address.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed parliamentarians about the plight of his country and its people on Tuesday, March 15, 2022. (Photo credit: House of Commons)

Speaker of the Senate George J. Furey praised Ukraine’s fortitude, resilience and strength of purpose. (Photo credit: House of Commons)