As U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin meet today in Anchorage, Alaska, to discuss a controversial potential land swap between Russian-occupied territories and Ukrainian land, Canada is stressing that its commitment to Ukraine remains firm. Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government has made clear that any resolution must be decided by Ukrainians themselves, warning that borders cannot be altered by force.
The high-stakes summit — notably excluding Ukraine from the table — has prompted unease in Kyiv and across Europe, where leaders fear the talks could result in concessions favouring Moscow and undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty. The Kremlin says discussions will include a one-on-one between Trump and Putin, delegation meetings, and a “working breakfast,” though no agreements are expected to be signed. Trump has hinted at a follow-up three-way meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy if talks succeed, but also warned of “very severe consequences” for Russia should Putin refuse to halt the invasion.
Canadian officials, including Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand, have reiterated that the only acceptable path forward is one backed by diplomacy, military aid, and economic measures to hold Moscow accountable. Analysts warn that Putin’s broader aim is to fracture Western unity, exploit divisions between the U.S. and Europe, and pressure Ukraine into territorial concessions. Experts say the best-case outcome for Kyiv may be for the summit to end without an agreement, thereby avoiding any deal that compromises its sovereignty.
For Canada, the message remains clear: the war is not simply about territory — it is about defending Ukraine’s right to exist as a sovereign, democratic state aligned with the West.