Kyiv (Rajeev Sharma): Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney made his first official visit to Ukraine, as Ottawa weighs the possibility of contributing to international peacekeeping efforts in the war-torn region. The visit coincides with Ukraine’s Independence Day, underscoring Canada’s continued support for Ukrainian sovereignty amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Carney’s trip follows mounting discussions within a 30-nation coalition — led by France and the United Kingdom — exploring long-term security guarantees for Ukraine in the event of a peace agreement. While Canada has not formally committed troops, senior government sources confirmed that the country is not ruling out future participation, depending on how the coalition’s plans unfold.
“Security on Land, Air, and Sea”
Speaking at a press conference in Kyiv, Carney stressed the need for a multi-dimensional security framework for Ukraine.
“There has to be security on the land, in the air, and in the sea,” he said. “There’s a potential role for coalition members to support all those areas. We’ll see what Canada’s role might be within that broader group.”
However, the prime minister acknowledged the complex nature of any future deployment.
“It’s a fluid situation. It’s a delicate situation,” he added. “Any credible security guarantee begins with a strong Ukrainian military — and that means training, weapons, and long-term viability.”
Canada’s Current Contribution
To date, Canada’s involvement has largely focused on training Ukrainian troops, delivering military aid, and providing financial support exceeding C$2 billion, part of a broader pledge made at the G7 Summit earlier this year.
Canada’s small military, already stretched by domestic deployments and its NATO commitment in Latvia, is facing personnel shortages. As such, officials have indicated that any peacekeeping involvement would likely be limited in scope and closely coordinated with allies.
While the United States has ruled out boots on the ground in Ukraine, Washington has shown willingness to provide advanced air defense systems as part of a broader effort to bolster Ukrainian security.
No Breakthrough on Peace Deal Yet
Despite the international community’s push for a diplomatic resolution, a comprehensive peace agreement remains elusive. The Kremlin continues to demand territorial concessions from Kyiv and has strongly opposed any deployment of NATO forces on Ukrainian soil.
Deepening Ties with Ukraine and Europe
During his visit, Carney is expected to meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and finalize components of a bilateral security agreement first reached in 2024. He will also reaffirm Ottawa’s multibillion-dollar financial assistance package and expand discussions around future collaboration in defense procurement.
Carney’s European tour will continue with stops in Warsaw, Berlin, and Riga, where he is set to promote Canada’s defense manufacturing, as well as its growing roles in critical minerals, nuclear energy, and the aerospace sector.
A New Era of Canadian Defense Diplomacy?
Historically criticized for lagging on military spending, Canada under Carney appears poised to play a more active geopolitical role, aligning itself more closely with European allies as the U.S. recalibrates its defense commitments.
As the war in Ukraine persists into its third year, Carney’s presence in Kyiv sends a clear diplomatic message — Canada stands firm in its support of Ukrainian sovereignty, while cautiously assessing its potential role in securing long-term peace.
