Canada’s newly appointed Prime Minister Mark Carney met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for the first time on Friday, reaffirming Ottawa’s unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and resistance against Russian aggression. The high-level meeting took place on the sidelines of a European security summit and signaled continuity in Canada’s foreign policy despite the recent leadership change.

During the talks, Carney pledged to continue Canada’s comprehensive support package for Ukraine, including military aid, financial assistance, and humanitarian relief. “Canada stands shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine in defending democracy, territorial integrity, and the rule of law,” he said in a joint press appearance with Zelenskyy.

Carney, a former central banker turned politician, emphasized that his government would uphold the commitments made by his predecessor and even look for ways to expand support. He noted that Canada would be sending additional non-lethal military equipment and would maintain training operations for Ukrainian troops under Operation UNIFIER.

“We will not waver in our support,” Carney stated. “Canada’s alliance with Ukraine is not just strategic—it is a moral imperative in the face of tyranny.”

President Zelenskyy welcomed Carney’s affirmation and thanked Canada for its steadfast backing throughout the war, particularly during moments of increased Russian offensives. “Your help has saved lives and helped us stand strong,” Zelenskyy said, adding that Canada had been among the most reliable partners in both military and diplomatic forums.

The leaders discussed a range of topics, including continued defense cooperation, sanctions against Russia, energy security, and Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts. Carney committed to supporting post-war rebuilding projects and said Canada would work with allies to seize and repurpose Russian state assets frozen abroad for Ukrainian reconstruction.

The meeting also touched on Ukraine’s progress toward NATO and European Union integration. Carney expressed support for Ukraine’s aspirations, stating, “Canada believes Ukraine belongs in Euro-Atlantic institutions, and we will advocate strongly for your future in NATO.”

This was Carney’s first major bilateral engagement since becoming prime minister following the resignation of Justin Trudeau earlier this year. His debut on the international stage has been closely watched as a test of how he would navigate Canada’s global alliances and assert its role amid intensifying geopolitical tensions.

Carney’s background as the former governor of both the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England has earned him a reputation as a pragmatic leader with a deep understanding of global economics. His support for Ukraine aligns with Western consensus but also comes at a time when some countries are showing signs of war fatigue and increasing calls for negotiated settlements with Russia.

Canada’s Parliament recently passed a bill authorizing an additional CAD 500 million in aid to Ukraine, bringing the total amount of Canadian assistance since 2022 to over CAD 4.5 billion. Much of that support has included armored vehicles, drone technology, winter gear, and critical financial backing for Ukraine’s national budget.

Zelenskyy also urged Carney to advocate for more sanctions against Russian oligarchs and state entities, especially in the financial and technology sectors. He stressed that continued pressure is essential to diminishing Russia’s capacity to fund its war machine.

The leaders concluded their meeting with a joint declaration reaffirming their countries’ “strategic partnership rooted in shared democratic values and mutual respect.” They pledged ongoing cooperation not only in defense and security but also in areas like green energy, digital infrastructure, and countering disinformation.

Observers say the meeting cemented Carney’s stance as a firm supporter of Ukraine and reassured Kyiv that Canada’s position remains unchanged despite the change in leadership. It also signaled that Ottawa intends to remain a vocal advocate for Ukraine on the international stage, particularly within the G7 and NATO.

As the war continues into its third year, such diplomatic solidarity is increasingly important for Ukraine, which is seeking both continued material aid and political momentum to carry through difficult months ahead. Carney’s message to Kyiv was unequivocal: Canada’s support is enduring, and its partnership with Ukraine remains a top foreign policy priority.

Source: Reuters