Trudeau: Canada backs Ukraine 'as long as it takes'

STORY: Trudeau said Russian President Vladimir Putin had underestimated the courage and strength of Ukrainians, adding that Canada will continue to support Ukrainian armed forces on the frontlines and send four additional Leopard tanks.

Trudeau hailed Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy for his leadership and resilience, saying he became a "champion of democracy".

Speaking about Ukrainians, the Canadian leader said they have "stood up to a ferocious defense againse Putin's ruthless aggression" and that they have "proven that victory is the only option."

Commemorations and vigils have been held around the world to mark the anniversary.

In recent weeks, Russian forces, replenished with hundreds of thousands of conscripts, have waged intense trench warfare, making only small gains despite fighting that both sides call the bloodiest so far.