Kyiv (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Canada’s PM Mark Carney reached Ukraine on Sunday to commemorate Ukrainian Independence Day as world leaders push for an end to the fight between Ukraine and Russia.
“On this Ukrainian Independence Day, and at this critical moment in their nation’s history, Canada is stepping up our support and our efforts towards a just and lasting peace for Ukraine,”
Carney noted on X as he arrived in Kyiv.
Carney is expected to sit with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and reveal further particulars of the new $2-billion aid package Canada promised at the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Alta, in June. Zelenskyy asked Carney to attend as a special guest marking Ukraine’s Independence Day.
Canada is part of a coalition of around 30 countries, headed by France and Britain, all pledging to defend Ukraine in the conflict with Russia. The group has pushed for strong security guarantees if a peace deal is made with Russia, with some countries sending troops to support and uphold the terms of the peace deal.
Is Canada prepared to send troops if peace is reached?
According to a senior Canadian government official speaking on background during a briefing, Canada is ready to take part in the exercise if the coalition approves it. The comments follow Mr. Carney’s statements on August 22, when he emphasised the importance of training and weapons for Ukrainian troops.
Canadian soldiers are also engaged in Europe under Operation Unifier, which is Canada’s operation to train the Ukrainian forces, originally established after Russia annexed Crimea in 2014.
What is the true scale of Canada’s financial aid?
Moreover, Canada’s assistance towards in Russia-Ukraine war amounts to what Ottawa says is about $22 billion in aid to Ukraine, mostly through loans. An independent estimate from the Kiel group places the number at about $19.7 billion.
As reported, Canada is likely the biggest player in the humanitarian assistance by providing care to resettled Ukrainian children stolen by Russia, maternal health access, and landmine detection and clearing.
When did former Canadian PM Justin Trudeau last visit Ukraine before Carney?
The last previous visit to Ukraine by a Canadian PM prior to this visit was on February 24, 2024, when ex-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau completed his third annual trip since the escalation of the Russian war in 2022. During this visit, Trudeau met with the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy with other world leaders. Trudeau announced over $3 billion in military and financial support to Ukraine.
