Canada has committed an additional $2.5 billion in economic assistance to Ukraine, reinforcing its support as Russian missile and drone attacks struck Kyiv, killing at least one person and injuring dozens.
Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the funding Saturday while speaking to reporters at a Halifax-area airport alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Carney condemned the latest strikes as acts of barbarism, saying they highlighted the urgency of standing firmly with Ukraine.
The announcement comes as Carney and Zelenskyy prepare to attend peace discussions hosted by U.S. President Donald Trump in Florida later this weekend. The talks follow an escalation in attacks on Ukraine’s capital, underscoring the fragile security situation even as diplomatic efforts intensify.
Carney said the new funding is designed to help unlock additional international financing for Ukraine’s reconstruction, including support from institutions such as the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. He emphasized that economic stability is critical to Ukraine’s long-term resilience and recovery amid the ongoing war.
Zelenskyy thanked Canada for its continued backing, describing the latest strikes as Russia’s response to ongoing peace initiatives. He said a U.S.-backed peace plan is nearing completion but noted that key issues remain unresolved, particularly around security guarantees and enforcement mechanisms.
According to The Canadian Press, Canada has been among Ukraine’s most consistent international supporters since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. Ottawa has already committed billions of dollars in military, humanitarian, and economic assistance, with the latest pledge reinforcing Canada’s role as diplomatic negotiations move forward.