Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney hosted President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Calgary on Thursday, where the two leaders pledged to strengthen their bilateral alliance. During the visit, Canada announced a significant support package aimed at bolstering Ukraine’s air defenses and replenishing its drone stocks. Carney assured the president that Canada remains committed to the nation, stating, "Canada will always be with you."
The leaders finalized an agreement to develop a "hundred-year partnership," a move reflecting deep historical ties between the two countries dating back to 1893. In Alberta, where the prime minister grew up, there is a large community of approximately 350,000 people of Ukrainian heritage. Carney emphasized this bond, noting that "Ukrainians helped build Canada and Canadians will help rebuild Ukraine."
The newly announced support includes C$350m, or roughly US$253m, to be provided through the United States’ Joint Ukraine Multinational Program – Services, Training and Articles Rapid Timeline (Jumpstart) program. Zelenskyy highlighted the urgent need for enhanced air defense capabilities as Russia continues to escalate its ballistic missile attacks. Additionally, Canada is offering C$450m in loan guarantees specifically to bolster the Ukrainian energy supply. These funds are intended to repair damaged infrastructure, improve power supply to hospitals, and increase storage capacity to help the country endure winter blackouts.
Regarding the battlefield, Zelenskyy noted that the promised drones will be sent immediately to soldiers to protect families and children. When asked about potential peace negotiations, the president stated he did not expect substantive talks during the current Russian election period. However, he confirmed plans to meet with Donald Trump in New York City later in September, likely on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, to discuss ending the war. Following his meeting in Calgary, Zelenskyy was scheduled to address a cabinet retreat in Banff, followed by visits to Toronto and North Bay.
