Carney Reaffirms Canada’s Unwavering Support for Ukraine During Rome Visit

Rome, May 18, 2025 — Prime Minister Mark Carney held his first in-person meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday in Rome, pledging Canada’s “steadfast and unwavering support” for Ukraine amid ongoing conflict with Russia.

The meeting took place at Canada’s Official Residence to the Italian Republic, where Carney praised Zelenskyy’s “commitment to peace,” particularly in light of recent negotiations in Turkey. “There can be no peace without the full support and participation of Ukraine, and that you have our absolute support,” Carney said.

Zelenskyy thanked the Prime Minister for Canada’s continued backing and extended a formal invitation for Carney to visit Ukraine. Reflecting on the recent peace talks, Zelenskyy said he had hoped for a direct engagement with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who did not attend. “We really waited for Putin, and he didn’t come. He’s afraid of bilateral, just direct talks,” Zelenskyy remarked.

The encounter in Rome comes as Carney builds international momentum ahead of the upcoming G7 summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, next month. He confirmed that he is looking forward to hosting Zelenskyy at the gathering.

Earlier in the day, Carney met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at Rome’s historic Chigi Palace, where he was greeted with a red-carpet reception and full ceremonial honours, including performances of both nations’ anthems.

He later sat down with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, discussing transatlantic collaboration on artificial intelligence, clean energy, and critical minerals. In a light moment during their meeting, Carney nodded to NATO commitments, gesturing to himself and mouthing “us too” when von der Leyen referenced Europe’s need to contribute more.

Carney’s visit coincides with the inaugural mass of Pope Leo XIV, marking his first official appearance at the Vatican. A 13-member Canadian delegation, including Catholic MPs and Indigenous leaders such as Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak and Métis National Council President Victoria Pruden, is accompanying the Prime Minister.

This trip is Carney’s first overseas visit since winning last month’s federal election and signals his intent to reassert Canada’s role on the global stage, particularly in matters of peace, security, and values-based diplomacy.