Canada has reinforced its unwavering support for Ukraine as Prime Minister Mark Carney visited Kyiv on the 34th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence. Canada, the first Western country to recognize Ukraine’s sovereignty in 1991, has maintained consistent backing for the country as it faces Russia’s ongoing full-scale invasion. The visit underscored Canada’s commitment to defending democracy, sovereignty, and peace at a critical moment in global security.
At the G7 Summit earlier this year, Canada committed an additional $2 billion in military assistance for Ukraine, and during his visit, Prime Minister Carney detailed how these funds will be allocated. The package includes significant investments in armoured vehicles, air defence systems, drones, counter-drone and electronic warfare capabilities, ammunition, and explosives, as well as medical equipment and spare parts. Canada also announced over $31 million in humanitarian assistance and support to counter digital attacks threatening Ukraine’s democracy.
Since February 2022, Canada has pledged nearly $22 billion in multi-faceted aid to Ukraine, the highest per capita contribution among G7 nations. In Kyiv, Carney held talks with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, and cabinet members, reaffirming that decisions about Ukraine’s future must include Ukraine’s voice. Canada also reaffirmed its leadership role as Co-Chair of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, pledging to intensify efforts to ensure their immediate and unconditional return.
Additional measures include Canada’s delivery of 50 Canadian-built Armoured Combat Support Vehicles by year’s end, a new customs mutual assistance agreement to combat smuggling and trade violations, and strengthened sanctions on Russian entities and individuals. Canada has also contributed to international financial support mechanisms for Ukraine, including a $2.3 billion loan and a $200 million contribution to the World Bank’s financial fund.
Prime Minister Carney, alongside Defence Minister David McGuinty and Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand, emphasized that Canada will continue working with allies to ensure Ukraine has the resources it needs to defend its sovereignty. With a Ukrainian diaspora of 1.3 million people in Canada—the largest in the Western world—Canada reaffirmed its steadfast alliance and commitment to a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.
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