Prime Minister Justin Trudeau joined other world leaders in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv today, Saturday, at the site of one of the first and fiercest battles in the war to commemorate the second anniversary of the brutal Russian invasion.

Trudeau appeared at Hostomel Airport alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo in a display of global solidarity.

Behind them, the wreckage of destroyed planes and the blackened walls of the airport outside the capital served as a stark backdrop, a bitter reminder of the early days of the invasion.

Trudeau said in prepared remarks: "Putin was sure he could easily seize strategic targets like this airport, and Russian forces tried to make a quick strike at Hostomel Airport – along with Kyiv, well, we stand here today because he was wrong."

Russian President Vladimir Putin launched his long-feared invasion on February 24, 2022. His paratroopers stormed the airport just hours after what he called a "special military operation" began in the country.

Two years later, the debris of that battle remained scattered behind the leaders as they took turns on the stage – a lasting testament to an early victory as well as the ongoing bloody and grinding conflict.

Trudeau said in his speech: "Putin cannot win," "Ukraine will see victory, just as it did on this land two years ago."

Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was also present at the anniversary, along with Defense Minister Bill Blair and Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, while U.S. President Joe Biden was not expected to attend.

As he has from the start, Trudeau again pledged to ensure that Canada stands with Ukraine for as long as necessary to guarantee victory.

But the federal government has not yet delivered all the military aid it promised, prompting critics to accuse the prime minister of going back on his word.

Trudeau is expected to participate in numerous commemorations throughout the day, including laying a wreath, before concluding the day with a joint press conference.

Trudeau said: "You are fighting for your sovereignty, for your land, for your language, for your culture, for your democracy," "but also for our democracy."

Despite similar sentiments across the global support alliance, European countries are struggling to find sufficient stockpiles to send to Kyiv, while $60 billion in U.S. aid is stalled due to political disputes.

These delays have frustrated Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who fears – like others – that such holdups amid domestic political squabbles play into the hands of the eternally patient Putin.

Just last week, Russia took full control of the city of Avdiivka, about 706 kilometers east of the capital, where forces fought fierce battles for weeks to seize the local chemical plant.

A late Friday attack by a Russian drone struck a residential building in the southern city of Odesa, killing at least one person and injuring several others.

The presence of world leaders in Kyiv throughout Saturday will be displayed to show the fortress of international support and praise Ukraine's ongoing resilience.

Zelensky himself warned allies just last week that the "manufactured deficit" in weapons threatens to give Russia a dangerous advantage.

Meanwhile, Biden was flattering and criticizing Republicans in Congress to help pass legislation to keep support flowing.

Biden said in a statement, "We will not forget the failure to support Ukraine at this critical moment. The time is now to stand strong with Ukraine and united with our allies and partners."

"Now is the time to show that the United States defends freedom and does not bow to anyone."

Biden chastised his political opponents, including former and future President Donald Trump, for their fiery rhetoric on Ukraine and lack of support approaching what the current commander-in-chief calls "criminal negligence."

Trudeau has reached similar criticisms when it comes to opposing Conservatives in Canada and their recent decision to vote against the modern free trade agreement with Ukraine.

But unlike the United States, both parties have tried to position themselves locally as the most committed ally: Canada is home to the second largest population of Ukrainians in the diaspora worldwide, after Russia.

On Friday, Canada announced sanctions against 10 other Russian officials and businessmen and 153 entities, in coordination with the United States and the United Kingdom. The European Union also announced new sanctions ahead of the war anniversary.

The show of solidarity demonstrated by the prime minister in Kyiv also provides an opportunity to help restore the sheen of the relationship after the mishap during Zelensky's visit to Ottawa last fall which caused international embarrassment.

With the Ukrainian president in the House of Commons, members of parliament honored one of the war heroes – the Ukrainian Canadian war veteran who was found to have fought alongside the Nazis in World War II.

This incident made headlines worldwide, prompted the prime minister to apologize, cost former Speaker Anthony Rota his job, and provided abundant material to the Russian propaganda machine.