Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): In a significant diplomatic engagement today, Prime Minister Mark Carney spoke with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, reaffirming their shared commitment to ending Russia’s ongoing war of aggression and securing a just and lasting peace for Ukraine.
During the conversation, both leaders emphasized the critical importance of restoring peace and upholding Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. They welcomed the leadership role played by former U.S. President Donald Trump and the United States in advancing peace negotiations, highlighting recent joint statements from European leaders supporting these efforts.
Prime Minister Carney and President Zelenskyy agreed that the future of Ukraine must be determined solely by Ukrainians themselves, rejecting any attempts to alter international borders through force. They stressed that while diplomatic dialogue remains essential, sustained pressure on Russia is necessary to halt its military aggression. Furthermore, they underscored the need for strong and credible security measures to empower Ukraine to defend its sovereignty.
The Prime Minister reiterated Canada’s unwavering support for Ukraine, pointing to significant military and financial assistance, including $2 billion in new military aid and a $2.3 billion loan aimed at rebuilding critical infrastructure and public services. Recently, Canada, alongside the European Union and the United Kingdom, announced plans to reduce the price cap on Russian crude oil, aiming to curtail Moscow’s financial resources fueling the conflict.
As co-chairs of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, both nations renewed their demand for Russia to immediately return Ukrainian children who have been unlawfully deported or transferred.
Prime Minister Carney confirmed that Canada will continue to collaborate closely with the Coalition of the Willing, the United States, and Ukraine to advance peace and security across Ukraine and the broader European region.
