Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney Pledges Military Support
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced approximately $1.47 billion in military aid to Ukraine during the G7 summit, which took place in Canada’s Rocky Mountains. Carney met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, reaffirming the group’s support for Kyiv amidst Russia’s intensifying attacks.
Deadly Bombings in Kiev
Tragically, at least ten people lost their lives on Tuesday due to bombings in Kiev, marking one of the deadliest attacks against the capital since Russia’s invasion began in 2022. This occurred during a stalled period of peace talks.
Carney’s Commitment to Ukraine
As host of the G7 leaders’ summit, Carney pledged “total solidarity with Ukraine” and announced additional sanctions against Russia to exert “maximum pressure” on President Vladimir Putin.
Canada’s government reported that the $2.0 billion CAD (equivalent to $1.47 billion USD) military aid package includes drones, ammunition, and armored vehicles.
Zelenskyy’s Call for Increased Support
President Zelenskyy emphasized that Tuesday’s attack in Kiev underscores the necessity for allies to bolster their support for Ukraine. “Our families endured a very difficult night. It was one of the largest attacks since the war began,” Zelenskyy stated alongside Carney. “This is a great tragedy for us, and we need the support of our allies,” he asserted.
Behind Ukraine’s Support
Carney also announced a new $2.3 billion CAD (approximately $1.7 billion USD) loan to Ukraine for rebuilding infrastructure and public systems, joining Britain in tightening sanctions on Russia’s alleged “ghost fleet” used to circumvent international sanctions on oil sales.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized that these sanctions directly target “the war machine” of Putin, restricting his ability to continue the “brutal war” in Ukraine.
US and European Stances
American lawmakers have drafted a new package of sanctions against Russia, but President Donald Trump hesitates due to his desire to maintain relations with Putin, whom he spoke with over the phone before the G7 summit.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that despite the Middle East crisis, the G7 – comprising Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United States – remains focused on Ukraine.
A G7 diplomat, speaking anonymously, noted that Trump’s absence from the summit might lead to more fluid discussions but also lesser impact, given the presence of the most powerful nation.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the G7’s stance on Ukraine? The G7 has expressed strong support for Ukraine amidst Russia’s escalating attacks, with Canada pledging $1.47 billion in military aid and additional sanctions against Russia.
- What recent events have impacted Ukraine? Deadly bombings in Kiev on Tuesday resulted in at least ten fatalities, marking one of the deadliest attacks since Russia’s invasion began in 2022.
- How have other nations responded to the crisis? Britain has joined Canada in imposing stricter sanctions on Russia’s alleged “ghost fleet” and aims to increase economic pressure on Putin. Meanwhile, the US is drafting new sanctions against Russia, despite President Trump’s reluctance to strain relations with Putin.
- What is the G7’s focus despite other global crises? Despite the Middle East crisis, the G7 remains committed to addressing the situation in Ukraine.
