Ukrainian President Zelensky said he is in contact with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. They discussed over the phone on Monday (October 16) how to evacuate trapped Ukrainian citizens in the Gaza Strip. He expressed his gratitude to Canada for its willingness to help.

The "Kyiv Independent" reported that about 260 Ukrainian citizens are still trapped in northern Gaza. There were reports that the Rafah border crossing in southern Gaza and Egypt would be opened to foreigners, allowing them to cross into Egypt and allowing humanitarian relief supplies to enter Gaza from here. However, the border remains closed so far, and Israel denies reaching a similar agreement.

Zelensky said his phone call with Trudeau also discussed the agreements reached during his visit to Canada in September regarding defense cooperation, the construction of hydroelectric power plants, and the plan to establish a Holodomor museum in Ukraine.

Zelensky also thanked Canada for supporting the peace plan proposed by Ukraine and called on Canada to send representatives to attend the upcoming relevant meeting scheduled to be held.

During last week's regular NATO Defense Ministers' meeting, Canadian Defense Minister Bill Blair announced that he would provide Ukraine with another batch of artillery shells and winter clothing.

Since Russia launched its aggressive war against Ukraine in February last year, Canada has pledged to provide $2.4 billion Canadian in military aid to Ukraine, including Leopard 2 main battle tanks and armored vehicles.