Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced that Canada will provide $270 million to assist Ukraine in obtaining essential military capabilities to defend against Russia’s full-scale invasion. The announcement was made during the European Political Community summit in Armenia, where Carney is engaging with global leaders to enhance cooperation in politics, security, and infrastructure.
This financial support will be allocated towards the procurement of items listed by NATO, increasing Canada’s total aid to Ukraine to $25.8 billion. Carney conveyed that this contribution is part of a larger effort to support Ukraine as it gains strategic advantages in the conflict.
During discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Carney emphasized Canada’s unwavering solidarity with Ukraine, stating that the funding will bolster Ukraine’s resilience and pave the way for peace and prosperity for its citizens.
Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for both the moral and financial backing from Canada, acknowledging the strong support from Canadian allies and citizens.
Canada’s involvement in the summit as the first non-European country to participate underscores the significance of international partnerships. Carney highlighted the need for countries to confront the current global realities rather than dwell on the past, emphasizing the potential for collaborative ventures with Europe amidst evolving technological, energy, commercial, and geopolitical landscapes.
Carney’s interactions with European leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa, revolved around enhancing cooperation in various domains such as supply chains, critical minerals, energy, and technology.
Carney also met with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and expressed gratitude for the invitation to the summit, emphasizing its critical importance in the context of European values. The prime minister is scheduled to hold meetings with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to further discussions on strategic partnerships and collaboration.
Overall, Carney’s active participation in the summit reflects his belief in rebuilding the international order, with a strong emphasis on Europe as a pivotal player in shaping the future global landscape.
