Key Takeaways
- Canada has provided nearly $22 billion in multifaceted assistance to Ukraine, including over $12 billion in direct financial support.
- Canada is committing an additional $2.5 billion to support Ukraine, including financing for the International Monetary Fund and loan guarantees for the World Bank and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
- The Prime Minister of Canada and the President of Ukraine held a bilateral meeting to discuss the latest developments in ongoing peace talks and affirmed Canada’s full support for Ukraine.
- Canada is working with European leaders to advance joint efforts for Ukraine’s security and recovery, and to secure a just and lasting peace.
Introduction to the Meeting
Today, Prime Minister Carney welcomed President Zelenskyy to Halifax, marking the President’s second visit to Canada this year. This meeting comes at a crucial point in the horrific war between Ukraine and Russia, with the combined efforts of the United States, Ukraine, European allies, and Canada creating the conditions for a just and lasting peace. Ukraine is at the frontline of the struggle between democracy and authoritarianism, and Canada has been a strong supporter of Ukraine’s cause.
Canada’s Support for Ukraine
Since Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified invasion, Canada has provided nearly $22 billion in multifaceted assistance for Ukraine, including over $12 billion in direct financial support. This makes Canada one of the largest contributors to Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction. As the Ukrainian people endure another winter of Russian aggression, Canada remains steadfast in its support for Ukraine. The Prime Minister’s announcement of new measures to support a just and lasting peace is a testament to Canada’s commitment to Ukraine’s cause.
New Measures to Support Ukraine
The Prime Minister announced an additional $2.5 billion commitment for Ukraine, which includes financing that will enable the International Monetary Fund to lend Ukraine an additional $8.4 billion as part of an extended financing program. Canada will also participate in extended and expanded debt service suspension for Ukraine, for up to $1.5 billion in 2025-26. Furthermore, Canada will provide a loan guarantee of up to $1.3 billion in 2026 to the World Bank’s International Bank for Reconstruction and Development to support Ukraine’s reconstruction, and a loan guarantee of up to $322 million in 2026 to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development to support Ukraine’s gas imports and reinforce its energy security.
Bilateral Meeting and Call with European Leaders
In Halifax, Prime Minister Carney and President Zelenskyy held a bilateral meeting to discuss the latest developments in ongoing peace talks. The Prime Minister affirmed Canada’s full support for Ukraine and its people. The Prime Minister and the President also participated in a call with European leaders to advance joint efforts for Ukraine’s security and recovery. Through the Coalition of the Willing and other partnerships, Canada is working to secure a just and lasting peace that reunites children with their families, fortifies Ukraine’s forces, builds prosperity for the Ukrainian people, and deters Russia from ever again threatening the peace and security of Ukraine or Europe.
Statement from the Prime Minister
The Prime Minister stated, "When I stood with President Zelenskyy in Kyiv on Ukraine’s Independence Day this year, I made clear that Canada will stand with Ukraine throughout this horrific war and when peace finally comes. To those ends, Canada has committed new support to Ukraine, not only to help end this war, but also to help the Ukrainian people recover and rebuild. Canada stands with Ukraine, because their cause – freedom, democracy, sovereignty – is our cause." This statement highlights Canada’s commitment to Ukraine’s cause and its people, and reaffirms its support for a just and lasting peace.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the meeting between Prime Minister Carney and President Zelenskyy in Halifax marks a significant moment in the ongoing efforts to support Ukraine and secure a just and lasting peace. Canada’s commitment of an additional $2.5 billion to support Ukraine is a testament to its dedication to Ukraine’s cause, and its participation in joint efforts with European leaders is crucial in advancing Ukraine’s security and recovery. As the situation in Ukraine continues to evolve, Canada’s support will remain steadfast, and its commitment to freedom, democracy, and sovereignty will continue to guide its actions.