Zelensky meets with Mark Carney in Canada seeking Ukrainian military support
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky traveled to Canada on Thursday for bilateral talks with Prime Minister Mark Carney, marking his most recent international journey aimed at securing ongoing assistance in resisting Russia’s invasion.
Kyiv remains under severe pressure from Moscow’s aerial campaign, which deploys ballistic missiles alongside jet-powered drones to penetrate defenses.
Ukrainian officials state that Russian strikes have repeatedly focused on the nation’s energy grid ahead of winter to undermine civilian morale.
“The main focus will be on supporting Ukraine in protecting our skies and preparing for the winter,” Zelensky said of his Canada trip in a social media post. “We will discuss how to strengthen our resilience, support our people and ensure that Ukraine has the capabilities it needs to defend itself.”
Canada and various European states are supplying their own military equipment to Kyiv while purchasing American systems through the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List, or PURL.
Meanwhile, the United States under President Donald Trump has halted direct weapons donations to Ukraine.
“Canada has consistently provided Ukraine with concrete support, and this visit is about taking that cooperation further,” Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, who was also on the trip, said on X.
Speaking at a photo opportunity prior to meeting Carney, Zelensky noted that Canada had taken a major new step regarding air defense for Ukraine, describing it as “a decision for our lives” while declining to “spoil” the official announcement before full details emerge.
He stressed that air-defense hardware is globally scarce and categorized the promised Canadian aid as vital.
Carney confirmed that Canada will deliver supplementary assistance for Ukraine’s energy network while reiterating firm backing for Kyiv’s prospective integration into NATO and the European Union.
Additionally, he guaranteed Canadian commitment toward Ukraine after hostilities end.
“Ukrainians helped build this country,” Carney said. “And Canada will help rebuild Ukraine when peace comes.”
Zelensky remarked that talks with Moscow would eventually take place, though Ukraine must approach them from position of strength. “We need to be strong, not to be weak,” he stated, emphasizing the requirement for a “strong and lasting peace.”
Recent diplomatic endeavors by Washington to resolve the ongoing war spanning more than four years have produced no major breakthroughs, though negotiations involving both capitals will proceed.
