Canada has named a new ambassador to Ukraine, seeing current envoy Larisa Galadza replaced by Natalka Cmoc, a move the federal government says will "ensure that Canada is able to continue to support Ukraine through this difficult time and for the long term."
Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly announced the change to one of Canada's key diplomatic posts on Thursday, Ukraine's Independence Day.
"This critical relationship can only be made possible through diplomatic engagement on the ground and working side by side with our friends and allies. Canada鈥檚 relationship with Ukraine is ironclad," read the Global Affairs Canada statement.
The federal government said Cmoc has "deep connections" to the Ukrainian community in both countries, is a "career expert on Ukraine with a wealth of experience," and will serve as Canada's "eyes and ears in Kyiv."
A Ukrainian speaker, Cmoc with experience at the Canadian Embassy in Ukraine. A decade ago, Cmoc was part of Canada's monitoring of Ukrainian elections following the 2015 presidential campaign, and has worked for the foreign affairs, national defence and procurement departments.
According to her biography, Cmoc was responsible for establishing the first security programming in Ukraine following Russia's 2014 invasion, which included assisting in the .
"Russia's illegal and unjustifiable invasion of Ukraine has had major political, economic, security and environmental impacts across the globe, and Canada continues to work with its partners to mitigate them," Joly said in a statement, thanking Galadza for her work over the past four years.
Joly said Cmoc鈥檚 predecessor has 鈥渄one a tremendous job in building and fostering an excellent relationship with Ukraine,鈥� and expects Canada鈥檚 new representative to continue this work.
TRUDEAU ZELENSKYY CALL
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday.
"As the people of Ukraine continue to defend themselves against Russian aggression鈥� I reiterated Canada鈥檚 support 鈥� we鈥檒l continue to make sure they have the assistance they need to keep their country free," following the call.
In his post, Zelenskyy described it as a "friendly" conversation.
"Canada was among the first to recognize Ukraine鈥檚 independence and it continues to be among leaders in support during these difficult times," he said.
In a statement marking Ukraine's Independence Day, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre spoke about the strong bond between the two countries.
"Ukrainians are dying to protect their sovereignty and culture, sacrificing so much for the values that all Canadians hold dear," Poilievre said. "I would like to recognize this extraordinary sacrifice."
