During Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s recent visit to Calgary, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced significant new support for Ukraine’s defense capabilities. Canada has committed C$350 million (approximately US$253 million) as part of a U.S.-led initiative to provide Ukraine with military equipment, training, and other forms of defense assistance. This pledge comes as Ukraine faces an escalation in Russian missile and drone attacks.
In addition to military support, Canada will offer C$450 million in loan guarantees aimed at bolstering Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. This financial aid is intended to facilitate the repair of damaged energy facilities, expand storage capacity, and improve the delivery of electricity to critical services such as hospitals.
The two leaders also formalized plans to pursue a “hundred-year partnership,” which will encompass cooperation in defense, critical minerals, energy, and other strategic areas. As part of this collaboration, Canada announced that 30% of its new domestic drone production will be allocated to Ukraine. According to Zelenskyy, these drones are crucial for battlefield operations and for ensuring the safety of civilian populations.
Zelenskyy is also set to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump in New York later this month. The meeting is expected to take place on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly and is part of ongoing efforts to restart negotiations aimed at ending the conflict in Ukraine.