Prime Minister Mark Carney marked Ukraine’s Independence Day as guest of honour in Kyiv on Sunday, where a senior Canadian official signaled that Canada is leaving open the possibility of deploying troops to Ukraine if a ceasefire with Russia is reached.
“We are not excluding boots on the ground,” the official told reporters during a secure background briefing ahead of Carney’s arrival. The remarks reflect ongoing discussions within the 30-nation “Coalition of the Willing” about potential security guarantees for Ukraine once active fighting ends. The exact form of those guarantees, officials said, “has yet to be determined.”
While U.S. President Donald Trump has ruled out sending American troops, Canada has suggested it may play a more direct role. Speaking in Ottawa before his trip, Carney said that any security commitment would require Ukraine to maintain a strong military, backed by weapons, training, and support on land, air, and sea. Canada’s Chief of the Defence Staff is participating in a working group exploring different models for guarantees.
Carney’s visit to Kyiv carried symbolic weight as well. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy personally invited him during their first phone call after Carney took office. Canadian officials highlighted both Canada’s position as Ukraine’s most significant supporter outside Europe and the strength of Canada’s Ukrainian diaspora.
Following ceremonies in Kyiv, where Carney joined Zelenskyy and First Lady Olena Zelenska in laying a wreath at a memorial wall, the prime minister is set to continue his European trip with stops in Poland, Germany, and Latvia to meet politicians, business leaders, and Canadian troops. The goal, officials said, is to reinforce trade and security ties while signalling Canada’s enduring commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty.