TRENTON, Canada

Characterizing Russian President Vladimir Putin's war in Ukraine as "an act of cowardly greed," Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Friday Canadians would stand by the country "for as long as it takes" to defeat Moscow. 

Trudeau was speaking at a press conference in Toronto at one of many events held to mark the first anniversary of Russia's war against Ukraine.

Canada has the second largest Ukrainian diaspora in the world (1.4 million) and led by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, more than 40 ceremonies to commemorate the date were taking place across the country.

"Stand With Ukraine" remains a rallying cry from coast to coast as a recent poll shows that 71% of Canadians remain firm in their support of helping the besieged country.

Additionally, Canada punches above its weight when it comes to aid - it is the fifth largest donor to Ukraine, with commitments of over CAN$5 billion (US$3.67 billion) and it has sanctioned more than 1,600 individuals and entities in Russia and Belarus, the Kremlin's ally.

On Friday, the federal government announced it would provide another CAN$32 million (US$23.5 million) to aid Ukrainian security.

"Canada's support for Ukraine's sovereignty is unwavering. We will not stand down until Russia is held accountable for its crimes," Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly said in a statement announcing the new funding.

Canada has also opened its doors to oppressed Ukrainians, so far welcoming about one-third of the 700,000 who have applied to come to the country.

At the press briefing, Trudeau made clear that Canada's support was unwavering, saying that "whatever it takes, for as long as it takes," Canada would stand by Ukraine. That is demonstrated by Canadians, he said.

"The desire to continue to help knows no bounds," Trudeau said.

He characterized Putin's aggression against Ukraine as "an act of cowardly greed."

Trudeau was also slated to take part later in a solidarity march in Toronto. Ontario Premier Doug Ford and federal Conservative Party leader Pierre Pollievre, among others, were to join Trudeau.