Putin will ‘lose’ Ukraine war, Trudeau says, as Canada ups aid funding

Before taking aim at Vladimir Putin, Justin Trudeau announced a series of funding commitments, including $117 million to support Ukrainians trying to come to Canada.

Vladimir Putin will “lose” in his war against Ukraine, Justin Trudeau said Thursday as Canada chipped in more funding for humanitarian efforts in the conflict.

The Canadian prime minister took aim at the Russian president at a news conference in Warsaw alongside Polish President Andrzej Duda. It was the final stop of his week-long trip in Europe where he met with allies to discuss Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

“Vladimir Putin has made a terrible mistake, and he’s going to lose this war,” Trudeau said.

“He’s going to lose this war because the ferocity, strength and resolve of the Ukrainian people defending their territory is inspiring us all, and because our resolve as friends and allies … cannot allow Vladimir Putin to be successful.”

While at the podium, Trudeau announced Canada is providing an additional $117 million to support special immigration measures for Ukrainians trying to come to Canada.

Since the full-scale war began on Feb. 24, more than two million people have fled Ukraine, according to the UN, and more than half of them went to Poland.

Ottawa is also increasing its donation amount to the Canadian Red Cross’ Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal, and is promising to match up to $30-million worth of donations. The government originally promised to match up to $10 million, Trudeau said.

“We will continue to be there and we deplore all the further threats that Russia continues to make,” Trudeau said.