What New Support Did Canadian PM Announce for Ukraine in Meeting with Zelensky?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Canada pledges 2.5 billion Canadian dollars to Ukraine.
- Support includes financing through the International Monetary Fund.
- The meeting took place in Halifax.
- Zelensky is set to meet with Trump to discuss a peace plan.
- Canada expresses unwavering support for Ukraine's recovery.
Ottawa, Dec 28 (NationPress) Mark Carney, the Prime Minister of Canada, unveiled significant new financial assistance for Ukraine during a meeting with the visiting President Volodymyr Zelensky.
As stated in a news release from the Prime Minister's official website, the pledge of 2.5 billion Canadian dollars (approximately 1.83 billion US dollars) for Ukraine encompasses funding that will facilitate loans from the International Monetary Fund to Ukraine. This package also includes programs for debt service suspension and loan guarantees, according to a report from Xinhua news agency.
The bilateral meeting between Carney and Zelensky took place in Halifax, Canada, where they reviewed the latest developments in ongoing peace negotiations.
Carney reiterated Canada’s unwavering support for Ukraine. They also engaged in a call with European leaders to further collaborative efforts aimed at enhancing Ukraine's security and recovery, the release indicated.
“Canada has committed fresh support to Ukraine, not just to help conclude this conflict, but also to assist the Ukrainian populace in their recovery and reconstruction,” Carney noted.
During his visit, Zelensky made a stop in Canada before heading to Florida for discussions with US President Donald Trump concerning efforts to resolve the Ukraine crisis.
Local media reported that Zelensky plans to present a 20-point peace plan to Trump, likely at the Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, on Sunday.
In their meeting, Carney and Zelensky discussed the current state of peace talks, where Carney reaffirmed Canada’s “full support” for Ukraine, as per the Prime Minister's official website.
“In the days ahead, much can be achieved both bilaterally between Ukraine and the United States, as well as with our Coalition of the Willing partners,” Zelensky stated, as reported by CBC News.
“It is vital that we collectively and cooperatively strengthen Ukraine’s capacity to safeguard lives, bolster our front-line positions, and enhance the negotiation process effectiveness. At this moment, it is Russia that is procrastinating and attempting to delay,” he added.
Zelensky's visit to Canada followed a phone conversation with Carney on Friday.
A readout from the Prime Minister's official website detailed that Carney praised Zelensky for his persistent efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace for the people of Ukraine and acknowledged the resilience of the Ukrainian people as they face yet another winter of Russian aggression.