Standing beside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv’s historic Sophia Square, Prime Minister Mark Carney delivered a powerful message on Ukraine’s Independence Day, declaring that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s aggression can and will be defeated — and that Canada will remain a steadfast ally.
“Putin has broken his word repeatedly, from Minsk to this morning. Putin has caused this terrible tragedy that has claimed the lives of millions. Putin menaces your skies, threatens your cities, destroys your fields. Putin has stolen your children,” Carney told the crowd. “But Putin can be stopped. Russia’s economy is weakening. He is becoming more isolated. And our alliance is hardening.”
The prime minister also outlined details of the $2 billion in additional aid Canada pledged at the June G7 summit, which will contribute to meeting NATO’s two per cent defence spending target. More than half of the funds will provide Ukraine with military equipment — including armoured vehicles, drones, and ammunition, with some sourced from Canadian industry. About $680 million will fund NATO’s U.S.-led package of air defence systems and other equipment, while $31 million will go toward humanitarian support, including $12.75 million for World Food Programme food aid.
Carney praised U.S. President Donald Trump’s role in shaping the international response, calling him a “transformative” leader and likening his influence to Ronald Reagan’s historic stance against Russia. Updating Reagan’s famous phrase, Carney said the moment now requires not only to “trust but verify,” but to “deter and fortify.”
“When peace comes, we must fortify Ukraine by rebuilding your cities, expanding your industries, developing your resources, in creating the foundations for true prosperity. And when that peace comes — and it will come — Canada will be there,” he pledged.
Canada, alongside 30 other countries in the so-called “Coalition of the Willing,” continues to discuss long-term security guarantees for Ukraine. Ahead of Carney’s trip, officials confirmed that Canada has not ruled out sending troops as part of any future ceasefire arrangements — signalling Ottawa’s willingness to play a central role in Ukraine’s eventual peace and reconstruction.