PM Mark Carney speaks in Terrace BC
HALIFAX — Prime Minister Mark Carney welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Halifax on Monday, marking Zelenskyy’s second visit to Canada this year as the war in Ukraine continues.
The Prime Minister’s Office said the meeting comes at a critical point in the conflict, with Canada, the United States and European allies working to create conditions for what it called a just and lasting peace.
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Canada has committed nearly $22 billion in assistance, including more than $12 billion in direct financial support, making it one of Ukraine’s largest international contributors, according to the government.
Carney announced an additional $2.5 billion in new support for Ukraine, including financing to enable the International Monetary Fund to lend Ukraine an additional $8.4 billion through its extended financing program.
Canada will also participate in extended debt service suspension for Ukraine, covering up to $1.5 billion in 2025-26, and provide a loan guarantee of up to $1.3 billion in 2026 to the World Bank International Bank for Reconstruction and Development to support reconstruction.
An additional loan guarantee of up to $322 million in 2026 will be provided to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development to support Ukraine’s gas imports and strengthen its energy security.
Carney and Zelenskyy held a bilateral meeting to discuss developments in ongoing peace talks, with the Prime Minister reaffirming Canada’s support for Ukraine. They also joined a call with European leaders to coordinate efforts on Ukraine’s security and recovery.
In a statement, Carney said Canada would continue to stand with Ukraine throughout the war and during postwar rebuilding, calling Ukraine’s fight for freedom, democracy and sovereignty aligned with Canada’s own values.
Earlier this month, Canada announced a $200 million package of military equipment sourced from NATO’s prioritized requirements for Ukraine, along with additional funding for alliance support programs and drone capabilities.
Comments