PARIS, January 6: Prime Minister Mark Carney is in Paris on Tuesday to join key international partners in discussions on securing a potential ceasefire in the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia, with Canada expected to outline how it could contribute to future security arrangements.
The meeting brings together the so-called “coalition of the willing,” a group of more than 30 countries that have pledged continued political, military, and strategic support to Ukraine. The talks are taking place at a critical moment, as ceasefire negotiations are believed to be entering a decisive phase.
During his visit, Carney is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with several prominent global leaders, including NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and the heads of government from Denmark and Finland. These interactions are expected to focus on collective security commitments and the long-term stability of the region.
According to a senior Canadian government official who briefed journalists en route to Paris, discussions will largely revolve around security guarantees for Ukraine once hostilities pause or end. The official noted that Canada has been engaged in behind-the-scenes talks for months on how to make a “meaningful and credible” contribution to such guarantees.
Canada’s recent move to significantly increase defence spending has positioned the country to assume a more prominent role in transatlantic security, the official added. Ottawa’s enhanced military capacity and renewed focus on defence cooperation are likely to feature prominently in the deliberations.
Despite global attention being drawn in recent days to other international developments, including the United States’ actions involving Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, the official stressed that Ukraine remains the sole focus of Tuesday’s high-level discussions.
The outcome of the Paris talks is expected to influence the next steps in international efforts aimed at bringing stability to the region and shaping post-war security frameworks for Ukraine.
