Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on Canada to send troops to Ukraine to reinforce European security guarantees, a move the North American country is still considering.
The appeal came during a surprise visit to Kyiv this month by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, which coincided with the host’s 34th anniversary of independence from the Soviet Union.
Speaking alongside Zelensky, Carney verified that Ottawa is looking at all options, including a potential military presence, but has not made a final decision.
“We are working with our allies and…with Ukraine on the conditions of these security guarantees on land, in the sky, and at sea. And I would not rule out the presence of military forces,” local Ukrainian media quoted Carney as saying.
Meanwhile, Zelensky welcomed potential discussions and emphasized that additional foreign forces could help stabilize Ukraine and strengthen international security in the region.
He framed Canada’s involvement as a critical move toward ensuring a just and lasting peace amid ongoing Russian aggression.
“I am grateful to Canada for its support in this regard and for its willingness to work at its level with other global actors to put greater pressure on Russia,” Zelensky said.
“We count on the presence of Canadian forces in Ukraine. This is important for us.”
New Military Assistance to Ukraine
Carney’s meeting with Zelensky comes after Canada pledged 2 billion Canadian dollars ($1.4 billion) in military aid to Ukraine in June.
The package will fund armored vehicles, medical equipment, spare parts, small arms, ammunition, explosives, additional unmanned aerial systems, and counter-drone solutions.
It will also support electronic warfare and air defense capabilities, investments in joint ventures between Ukrainian and Canadian industries, and other urgently needed military assistance.
Kyiv will also receive a separate 31 million Canadian dollars ($22.3 million) for humanitarian assistance, as well as other projects focused on cybersecurity and responding to evolving threats to the Ukrainian government.
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ottawa has committed almost 22 billion Canadian dollars ($15.8 billion) in comprehensive assistance to Ukraine.
“Canada continues to work closely with our allies and partners to ensure Ukraine has the military assistance it needs to defend its sovereignty, protect its people, and fight against Russia’s illegal and unjustifiable war,” Canadian Defence Minister David McGuinty stated.
“The contributions … are a clear demonstration of our unwavering commitment to Ukraine and the values we all share.”
