Ottawa/IBNS-CMEDIA: Prime Minister Mark Carney reaffirmed Canada’s support for Ukraine as he participated in a virtual meeting of the Coalition of the Willing on Monday, marking Ukraine’s 35th Independence Day.
The meeting, hosted by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and co-chaired by the leaders of the United Kingdom, France, and Germany, focused on strengthening international support for Ukraine amid Russia’s ongoing war.
According to the Canadian government, the leaders discussed efforts to strengthen Ukraine’s air defence, protect critical infrastructure and energy supplies, and maintain economic pressure on Russia through sanctions, including measures targeting its shadow fleet.
Carney reiterated Canada’s commitment to Ukraine, highlighting more than $2 billion in military assistance provided this year alone.
He also pointed to Ukraine’s role as a founding member of the Defence, Security and Resilience Bank, which is intended to strengthen long-term defence industrial cooperation among allied countries.
The leaders also discussed measures to improve Ukraine’s energy resilience, repair essential infrastructure, and ensure access to electricity and heating during the winter.
In a statement marking Ukraine’s Independence Day, Carney said Canada remains committed to Ukraine’s sovereignty and freedom.
“Canada was the first Western nation to recognise Ukraine’s independence, deepening a friendship that has grown into an enduring bond between our nations,” Carney said, noting that more than 1.4 million Canadians are of Ukrainian descent.
Carney said Ukraine’s future “belongs to the Ukrainian people alone” and described Russia’s invasion as an attempt to undermine that principle.
He also highlighted Canada’s sanctions regime against Russia, which, according to the government, targets more than 3,500 Russian individuals and entities and more than 700 vessels.
“While we weaken Russia, we strengthen Ukraine,” Carney said, adding that Canada has extended Operation UNIFIER to continue supporting Ukraine’s military and long-term defence capabilities.
Carney also posted a message on X marking the anniversary, saying Canada would remain committed to helping Ukraine “protect its freedom, restore its territorial integrity, and rebuild a stronger future.”
“To Ukrainians in Canada and around the world: happy Independence Day,” he wrote.
Canada has consistently backed Ukraine since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, with Ottawa maintaining military, economic and diplomatic support for Kyiv.
(Reporting by Suman Das)
