On the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney.
The key topics of the discussion included support for Ukraine, strengthening sanctions against Russia, using frozen Russian assets to benefit Ukrainians, financial support for Ukraine’s domestic weapons production, and Canada's role in Ukraine’s reconstruction.
“Ukrainians, our families, endured a very difficult night – one of the largest attacks since the beginning of this war: 440 Shaheds – Iranian drones – and 32 missiles, including ballistic ones. I was in direct contact during the flight with all the ministers and, of course, with the commander of the Air Force," said the Head of State.
The President noted that, at present, more than 130 people have been injured and 15 killed. The Russian strike targeted civilian infrastructure, residential buildings, and ordinary people.
Mark Carney expressed condolences on behalf of all Canadians and emphasized that the attack once again highlights the importance of standing with Ukraine.
The Prime Minister announced that Canada is imposing sanctions on a number of Russian individuals, over 40 companies in Russia and beyond that help Russia evade sanctions, and more than 200 vessels of Russia’s shadow fleet.
Mark Carney also announced new military aid for Ukraine: drones, helicopters, and ammunition worth over $2 billion. Part of these funds will go toward bolstering Ukraine’s domestic defense industry. He noted that Canada will tailor its assistance to the real-time needs of Ukrainian soldiers.
In addition, he announced the next tranche of more than $2 billion financed by proceeds from frozen Russian assets.
“This is our contribution. We will work with our European and other allies to ensure the necessary support. And I want to be clear: this support will remain steadfast until we achieve a just peace,” the Prime Minister stated.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Mark Carney for the new military aid package and for the support shown to Ukrainians by the Canadian people.
“This is extremely important for our warriors – to stay strong on the battlefield, to endure until Russia is ready for peace talks. We are ready for peace talks and for an unconditional ceasefire. I believe that is crucial. But pressure is needed to make it happen,” the President stressed.
The leaders also discussed which sanctions would most effectively undermine Russia’s capacity to expand its defense production and finance the war.
The parties coordinated steps for further diplomatic work with partners within NATO, the G7, and the Coalition of the Willing, as well as cooperation within the UN on decisions regarding an unconditional ceasefire.
Furthermore, President Zelenskyy and Prime Minister Carney focused on strengthening Ukraine’s air defense, including the need for air defense systems and missiles, and deepening defense cooperation. They discussed potential joint weapons production projects and investments in Ukraine’s defense industry.
The two leaders also discussed Canada’s involvement in developing Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction program.
