The Ukraine Livethread: Statements from Canada and Ukraine on Carney’s trip to Ukraine, new commitments and agreements.
Happy Sunday everyone. Im a bit late to the party today after a very busy morning. That does not mean that we can't jump now! Prime Minister Mark Carney was in Ukraine today for the 34th anniversary of Ukraine's independence, the first stop of his European trip this week.
Theres a lot of statements and commitments today, and I'll be documenting them all here for you! Lets get right into it.
Key Points
Canada’s Statements & Commitments
Joint Statement (Anand, McGuinty, Diab):
Reaffirmed Canada’s unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence.
Noted nearly $22B in Canadian assistance since 2022.
Emphasized work with Allies via Ukraine Defense Contact Group & F-16 training coalition.
Highlighted co-chairing International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children.
Reaffirmed Canada’s role in supporting Ukrainian refugees and diaspora.
$2 Billion Military Assistance Breakdown:
$835M – Armoured vehicles, medical supplies, spare parts, small arms, ammo, drones.
$680M (USD $500M) – NATO Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List package (to be delivered next month)
$220M – Drones, CUAS & Electronic Warfare, incl. Canada–Ukraine joint defence industry ventures.
$165M – Support for Ukraine Defense Contact Group Capability Coalitions.
$100M – Ammunition & explosives via Czech Ammunition Initiative.
Bilateral Defence Cooperation
New Defence Cooperation Agreement signed:
Joint production of defence products in Canada & Ukraine.
Legal framework to allow Ukrainian firms to establish operations in Canada.
Expands bilateral industrial cooperation and supply-chain resilience.
Other Announcements
$31M – humanitarian & cybersecurity/democracy protection initiatives.
Canada on track to deliver all 50 Armoured Combat Support Vehicles to Ukraine in 2025.
Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement signed to fight smuggling & trade crimes.
Sanctions expanded on Russian individuals, entities, and vessels.
Lowered price cap on Russian-origin seaborne crude oil.
Carney met with President Zelenskyy and PM Yulia Svyrydenko.
Reaffirmed principle: “no decisions about Ukraine without Ukraine.”
Discussed defence industry cooperation, veteran rehabilitation, natural resource development (including LNG).
Joint statement on Ukraine’s Independence Day
August 24, 2025 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada
The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, alongside the Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence, and the Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship today issued the following statement:
“On the 34th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence, we are inspired by the enduring spirit and strength of the Ukrainian people. Canada supports Ukraine as it defends its sovereignty, freedom and security against Russia’s aggression. We reinforce our commitment to uphold the UN Charter and stand with Ukraine.
“We acknowledge the immense suffering endured by the people of Ukraine, including lives lost, families torn apart and homes destroyed. In the face of these hardships, Ukrainians have shown remarkable resilience and determination in defending their land, culture and people. Their pain is felt by everyone who values freedom and justice.
“Freedom is a shared value—not a solitary struggle. Canada has consistently provided strong support to Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, independence and reform efforts, contributing nearly $22 billion in assistance since 2022.
“We are working with international partners to strengthen security commitments to Ukraine. While hosting the G7 Summit, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced $2 billion in additional military assistance for Ukraine, as well as the disbursement of a $2.3-billion loan. We continue to work with our Allies and partners to coordinate and bolster our support through the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, including F-16 pilot training under the Air Force Capability Coalition. Canada announced the disbursement of a $200-million contribution through the World Bank at the 2025 Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome, Italy.
“The war has upended the lives of generations of Ukrainians, especially children. Thousands of children are reported to have been illegally deported or forcibly transferred by Russia. With Ukraine, Canada is co-chairing the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, because no child should be a pawn in war.
“Canada remains committed to supporting Ukrainians and their family members by providing a temporary safe haven as the war continues.
“Canada will continue its support to Ukraine and honor the more than 1.3 million Canadians of Ukrainian heritage who make extraordinary contributions to our country every day.
“Ukraine’s security is integral to global security. Substantial and well-coordinated military aid to Ukraine remains a strategic priority. We will continue our comprehensive support to the Ukrainian society and the reconstruction of Ukraine. For as long as Russia continues its war of aggression against Ukraine, we – together with partners and allies – will continue to maintain and increase pressure on Russia’s war economy.
“Ukrainians are showing the world what independence means: resilience, dignity and the right to live in peace. On Ukraine’s Independence Day, we celebrate the courage and hope that Ukrainians bring to the world and we reaffirm our unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.”
Slava Ukraini!
Canada reinforces its support for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine
The international rules-based order, established after the Second World War, is under increasing pressure. At this hinge moment, Ukraine is, once again, at the frontline of the struggle between democracy and authoritarianism.
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That is why today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, visited Kyiv on the 34th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence. Canada was the first Western country to recognize Ukraine as an independent and sovereign nation. Decades later, Canada remains steadfast in our support for Ukraine.
At the G7 Summit in Kananaskis in June, Canada committed an additional $2 billion in military assistance for Ukraine. Today, Prime Minister Carney announced the Government of Canada is allocating this funding as follows:
$835 million to procure a range of critical equipment for Ukraine, including armoured vehicles, medical equipment, spare parts, small arms, ammunition, and explosives, as well as additional drone capabilities and other urgently needed equipment and supplies for Ukraine.
Approximately $680 million (USD $500 million) for the purchase of a NATO Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List package of military equipment sourced from the United States to strengthen Ukraine’s air defence capabilities and provide other urgently needed military assistance.
$220 million to purchase drone, counter-drone, and electronic warfare capabilities, including investments in joint ventures between Ukrainian and Canadian industry, in line with the Letter of Intent on Canada-Ukraine Joint Production of Defence Material.
$165 million to support Canada’s ongoing work in Ukraine Defense Contact Group Capability Coalitions, including efforts to source critical capabilities for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
$100 million to source ammunition and explosives through the Czech Ammunition Initiative.
The Prime Minister also announced an additional package of over $31 million for humanitarian assistance and investments in initiatives to counter digital attacks and evolving threats to Ukrainian democracy.
Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, Canada has committed nearly $22 billion in multi-faceted assistance for Ukraine – the highest per capita contribution among G7 countries.
In Kyiv, Prime Minister Carney met with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Prime Minister of Ukraine, Yulia Svyrydenko, and Ukrainian Cabinet ministers. They discussed Canada’s work with President Zelenskyy and our partners in the Coalition of the Willing to support Ukraine and advance our shared commitment to peace and security. The leaders agreed that no decisions about Ukraine should be made without Ukraine, and no decisions about Europe should be made without Europe.
As Co-Chair of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, Prime Minister Carney also affirmed that Canada will intensify its work with Ukraine, European partners, and the United States to secure the immediate and unconditional return of Ukrainian children.
Quotes
“Ukraine is, once again, at the frontline of the struggle for democracy and freedom. This is a critical moment where allies must step up and lead, and Canada is answering that call. Canada is, has, and always will be a steadfast ally in Ukraine’s relentless pursuit of freedom.”
— The Rt. Hon. Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada
“Canada continues to work closely with our allies and partners to ensure Ukraine has the military assistance it needs to defend its sovereignty, protect its people, and fight against Russia’s illegal and unjustifiable war. The contributions announced today are a clear demonstration of our unwavering commitment to Ukraine and the values we all share.”
The Hon. David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence
“Ukraine’s Independence Day is a reminder that freedom, sovereignty, and self-determination are never a given; they must be defended and upheld. Today, and every day, Canada stands with Ukraine. Slava Ukraini.”
The Hon. Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Quick facts
This was Prime Minister Carney’s first official visit to Ukraine.
While in Kyiv, the Prime Minister also announced:
That Canada is on track to deliver all 50 Canadian-built Armoured Combat Support Vehicles committed in 2023 to support Ukraine’s Armed Forces by the end of this year.
A customs mutual assistance agreement with Ukraine to prevent and investigate customs violations, smuggling, and trade-related crimes.
The measures announced today build on other recent announcements, including:
Disbursing a $2.3 billion loan to Ukraine through the G7 Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration Loans mechanism and contributing an additional $200 million to the World Bank’s Facilitation of Resources to Invest in Strengthening Ukraine Financial Intermediary Fund.
Imposing sanctions on additional individuals, entities, and vessels that continue to support Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.
Lowering the price cap for seaborne Russian-origin crude oil to further restrict Russia’s war efforts.
Today, 1.3 million people of Ukrainian descent call Canada home – the largest Ukrainian diaspora in the Western world.
Noah Notes: There it is. We got a tease of this last week when Denys Shmyhal met with Natalka Cmoc, Ambassador of Canada to Ukraine. There the framework of what was being agreed with was discussed.
Of course there are still many details left to be discussed. How much of this $835 Million is committed to Canadian industry? What are the timelines we are looking at?
What capabilities are being delivered in the PURL package thats supposed to arrive next month? There is still info to be given on Canada's security garuntees, which the Prime Minister still did not give concrete commitments too.
Canada will also be spending just over 200 million on the Joint Production of Ukrainian systems in Canada. There is still much to be discussed there, and details will come eventually. CUAS, drones, and Electronic Warfare are all mentioned, and all of interest to me.
At least one company is already in advanced negotiations about this, but ill speak more on that later. Fir now we await more details. Ive contacted the MND about this and am awaiting a response.
Prime Minister Carney meets with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, met with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in Kyiv, Ukraine.
The Prime Minister thanked the President for his hospitality and his leadership at this hinge moment in history. Prime Minister Carney congratulated President Zelenskyy and the people of Ukraine on their Independence Day, acknowledging Ukrainians’ long and consequential fight for sovereignty.
The two leaders discussed Russia’s ongoing war of aggression and welcomed U.S. leadership in working toward an end to the killing. The Prime Minister and the President agreed that just and lasting peace can only exist with robust and credible security guarantees, and that no decisions about Ukraine can be made without Ukraine.
Prime Minister Carney reaffirmed Canada’s unwavering support for Ukraine, drawing on the $2 billion of military assistance announced at the G7 Leaders’ Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta in June. He underscored Canada’s latest measures to support Ukraine, including the financing of a NATO Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List package that will be delivered to Ukraine to strengthen its air defence capabilities and provide other urgently needed military assistance.
The two leaders discussed areas for further co-operation, including enhanced Canadian defence industry production and supporting Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction.
They also discussed opportunities for Canada to assist Ukraine in its efforts to rehabilitate veterans.
The Prime Minister and the President discussed the situation of Ukrainian children illegally abducted by Russia. Prime Minister Carney reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to continue leading efforts to secure their return to Ukraine, including through its co-leadership of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children. The two leaders also welcomed U.S. efforts in this area.
The leaders also exchanged views on the strong potential for more co-operation in the development and resilience of Ukraine’s natural resources sector, including liquefied natural gas.
The Prime Minister and the President agreed to remain in close and regular contact
Canada and Ukraine sign new Defence Cooperation Agreement, statememts from Ukrainian MOD Denys Shmyhal
Ukrainian Minister of Defence released the following statement regarding Canadian-Ukrainian defence cooperation:
“Ukraine and Canada have agreed on joint production of defense products.
The corresponding agreement was signed today, on Ukraine's Independence Day, with Canada's Minister of National Defence David McGuinty in the presence of Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky and Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney.
The agreement aims to deepen bilateral defense-industrial cooperation, expand and create new production capacities in Ukraine and Canada, and enhance the resilience and continuity of defense product supplies.
Importantly, today's agreements will not only simplify the establishment of Ukrainian companies in Canada and promote technology exchange, but also help provide the Armed Forces of Ukraine with modern samples of weapons and military equipment in the long term. This will significantly strengthen our resilience and ability to counter the Russian threat.
We thank Canada for its solidarity and unwavering support of Ukraine in our fight for freedom and independence.”
This agreement has been in the works for a long while, and while details remain scarce we do know that this agreement opens up the pathway to allow Ukrainian companies to set up production in Canada.
For the longest time Ukrainian defence companies have been restricted from exporting products abroad. This has been a long-standing grievance of the Ukrainian defence industry that has been looking for new ways to acquire capital amid the ever increasing production demands the war has put on them.
To fix this, the Ukrainian government has launched the ‘Defence City’ concept. This concept is currently making its ways through several seperate bills in the Verkhovna Rada, the aim of which is to bolster and help promote growth in Ukraines defence industry.
The ‘Defence City’ will provide certain, approved companies greater support and freedom through things like Tax Breaks such as income tax breaks if companies choose to reinvest funds into expanding production, as well as exemptions from certain land and enviornmental taxes.
Customs rules are also being loosened and a new export license is being introduced (with a fee) to allow larger defence companies to begin exporting abroad. There will also be a new system put in place for the selling of defence technologies and the establishment of production overseas, subject to approval.
New legal protections are also being introduced to protect company data, as well as a new relocation mechanism to support companies who have to move production to new regions of Ukraine deemed safer. You can read a good rundown here on the whole lost of changes. Theres quite a few.
This new agreement aims to ease these restrictions and officially establish a process and necessary legal framework for Facilitation Joint Production opportunities.
Combined with the current Defence City laws, Canada is now well positions to be a clear, key partner for expanding Ukrainian defence production abroad. This agreement will, in hope, make it easier for Ukrainian companies to choose Canada first over other potential, mainly European, partners who do not have agreements.
Sweden also signed similar today as well as Denmark, who has already been established as a partner in this area with the Danish model. There were also talks with Latvia, funny enough. So we aren't the only one, obviously, but this does put us in the club.
The Canadian government has not released a statement yet on this agreement, nor has the details been released, so we still have to wait for the real details to come forward. However we do know now the base of this agreement.
This has been in the works for a long-time. Since before Carney. Shmyhal met last week with Natalka Cmoc, Ambassador of Canada to Ukraine today discuss this agreement and iron out details.
Of course we don't know exactly who the Canadian government has been is discussions with. I asked around and was told that at least one drone manufacturer is close to signing an agreement to establish a production line in Canada. The federal government and Ukroboronprom have also been in discussions with each other.
While the primary focus will be on supporting Ukraine, the Federal government also aims to create a viable, steady supply of unmanned systems for the Canadian Armed Forces, including a fleet of long-range strike drones to augment Canadas Long-Range strike capability.
This is seen as an importsnt step in that process, leveraging Ukrainian designs and development to establish a backbone to build off of.
Of course we did try a similar concept with GPUAS, an initative that essentially took the US Blue list and tried to create a system for units to purchase unmanned systems. That didnt work very well.
Second times a charm though! There is still things to iron out and I have inquired with the MND about the agreement. They have not responded yet.
Statement by the President of Ukraine Following the Meeting with the Prime Minister of Canada
The Office of President Zelenskyy released the following statement after his meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney:
I wish you all good health!
Happy Independence Day!
Dear Mr. Prime Minister, dear Mark,
Dear attendees, teams, guests,
Dear journalists,
First and foremost, I want to once again thank Mark for this visit today – on such an important day for Ukraine and all Ukrainians, our Independence Day. This is deeply symbolic, as Canada was among the first to recognize the restoration of Ukraine’s independence, to recognize our sovereign state. For 34 years now, we have stood firmly together with Canada – as friends, as partners – sharing the same understanding of what our values are and how they must be defended. I am grateful to Canada for all the support – support that is truly sincere. We also deeply value the special bond between our peoples and cultures: Canada is home to one of the largest and strongest Ukrainian communities – more than one million people. This significantly enriches our relations and our closeness – the closeness between Ukraine and Canada. I am confident that we will always remain this close. Thank you.
But today, Mark’s visit is not limited to symbolism alone – we have had a very substantive meeting. There are important documents signed, there are clear agreements. The Action Plan for the Implementation of the Agreement on Security Cooperation between our countries, the Agreement on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Customs Matters signed at the ministerial level, and the Letter of Intent on drone production. This is important, this is a priority, and you all know it. And now is the time when every day matters and should be filled with meaning. We discussed diplomacy – all our contacts and opportunities with partners. I informed Mark about our work with our American partners, and we discussed the prospects together with the Prime Minister. We must continue to put pressure on Russia to end this war, to end it with dignity, with guaranteed security and guaranteed peace. This is possible only through the joint strength of everyone in the world who wants peace and respects international law. The leaders’ dialogue format is the most effective path. I am grateful to Canada for its support in this regard and for its willingness to work at its level with other global actors to put greater pressure on Russia.
Canada is an active participant in the Coalition of the Willing, and we expect Canada to take an active role in implementing the security guarantees. Our teams – the members of the coalition – are currently developing the format for future joint security guarantees for Ukraine and for the region. It is important to make everything as practical as possible. We believe that Canada should be represented at the same level as our closest partners in Europe in developing the security guarantees and in engaging in the process of safeguarding peace. We count on the presence of Canadian forces in Ukraine. This is important for us.
Today, we discussed our defense cooperation. NATO countries are now joining a new program called PURL – a collective tool that allows for increased support for Ukraine through the procurement of weapons specifically from the United States of America. The program already includes decisions totaling 1.5 billion dollars. European countries have taken their steps, and I am grateful for Canada’s readiness to join the program. We have discussed this, and the Prime Minister has already said that there will be an additional $500 million, which is very important for us. I informed Mark about our capacities in weapons production, and this is primarily about identifying our priorities with Canada. Our top priority is drones for the front. We face a significant funding shortfall, even though we could substantially increase the supply of drones. Drones are now the kind of weapon that is essential – to hold the front, to deliver the necessary strikes to protect our energy infrastructure, and to strike enemy targets. That is why drones are number one in our defense efforts and tactical operations.
They allow us to save lives on the battlefield. The funds provided by Canada will be directed specifically toward drone production. We discussed this, and we have reached agreements. Canada is ready to provide funding and join this initiative. Thank you for that, Mark. Thank you.
Another important area of our cooperation is sanctions. Here, of course, we are grateful to Canada. Canada is among the leaders in sanctions efforts, and we greatly appreciate that. Canada is often the first to impose sanctions against certain entities, and then the world follows suit. We have now effectively prepared a new level of such work – Ukraine has synchronized its sanctions with those of Canada, and the corresponding decision took effect yesterday. In the near future, we are preparing for Canada to synchronize with our Ukrainian sanctions – our initial sanctions packages will be extended to Canada’s jurisdiction. This is important, and I am grateful that together we are raising the pressure on Russia to a truly tangible level. We are also working to ensure that Russian assets are used for protection against Russian aggression. We are thankful for this support.
We discussed energy cooperation, which is very important for us – energy is the foundation of resilience. Today, I offered Canada to join major energy projects – a large-scale energy partnership. We have the necessary port infrastructure and storage capacities. Ukrainian storage facilities can be used for the supply of Canadian gas, and this is crucial for stability not only in Ukraine but across Europe. Mark and I discussed the possibility of a rapid implementation of such a program. I believe that our energy ministers will hold a separate meeting to discuss all these details. We agreed that this will take place in the coming days. We are counting on Canada’s participation in the reconstruction of Ukraine, and this applies not only to restoring facilities but also to restoring people – rehabilitation after injuries. We discussed such programs for our veterans, and I am grateful to Canada for its readiness and very hopeful that we will see concrete initiatives that can truly benefit many of our people.
And one more thing.
I want to especially highlight Canada’s participation in our global coalition to bring home Ukrainian children who were abducted by Russia. These are thousands of children who remain in Russia, and it is extremely difficult to bring them back. But this must happen – without a doubt. We are grateful to everyone who is helping. Forty-one countries are now part of our coalition. I am thankful to Canada for its active involvement. We must bring back all Ukrainian children, all prisoners – our servicemen and our civilians. And today, we have the opportunity – the Head of the Office will be there with the team, as well as the Prime Minister with the team. Today there will be an opportunity to visit the Bring Kids Back office and to discuss the programs we have and what we are counting on.
We are very hopeful that one day all our children will be home – in a peaceful, independent Ukraine with guaranteed security. We are working together precisely to make this happen.
And today, on Independence Day, I want to especially thank our warriors. They have achieved very good results in long-range strikes. Everyone can see it, and today we have, I believe, very, very positive results in Donbas. Some good surprises for the Russians. I think the Commander-in-Chief will share all the details later.
Glory to Ukraine!
In Kyiv, the President and First Lady of Ukraine and the Prime Minister of Canada Paid Tribute to the Fallen Warriors
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, First Lady Olena Zelenska, and Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney honored the memory of the fallen Ukrainian heroes. Mark Carney arrived in Kyiv today on the occasion of the 34th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Olena Zelenska, together with Mark Carney, walked along the Alley of Remembrance for the Fallen Warriors and laid flowers at the Wall of Remembrance.
The fallen defenders of Ukraine were honored with a moment of silence.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Mark Carney Signed the Action Plan for the Implementation of the Agreement on Security Cooperation Between Ukraine and Canada
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney signed the Action Plan for the Implementation of the Agreement on Security Cooperation between Ukraine and Canada.
This plan defines the key areas and mechanisms for implementing bilateral cooperation in the security sphere. It covers military training, the development of defense capabilities, intelligence sharing, cybersecurity, and the fight against terrorism and hybrid threats.
Ukraine and Canada signed the Agreement on Security Cooperation on February 24 of last year. At that time, Canada became the first country outside Europe to confirm its security commitments to Ukraine. The two countries thus launched a strategic security partnership in various areas.
In the presence of Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Mark Carney, Minister of Defense of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal and Minister of National Defense of Canada David McGuinty signed the Letter of Intent between the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine and the Department of National Defense of Canada concerning the joint production of defense materiel in Canada and Ukraine.
The document confirms Canada’s intention to finance joint production of Ukrainian-origin defense materiel in Canada and Ukraine to support our country and improve jointly manufactured products.
Minister of Finance of Ukraine Sergii Marchenko and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Canada to Ukraine Natalka Cmoc signed the Agreement between Ukraine and Canada on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Customs Matters.
The document provides for the exchange of information on customs legislation and its application practices, the development of training and professional development programs, cooperation in organizing customs control, combating customs violations, and the involvement of international technical assistance.