© EPA-EFE/Thomas Padilla / POOL MAXPPP OUT Canada is demonstrating its readiness not only for long-term financial and military assistance to Ukraine, but also for participation in the future security system.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, speaking at a news conference in Mississauga, Ontario, called for maximum pressure on Russia, given new threats from Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin. He has “not yet come to terms with the need for peace,” Carney said, according to the CBC.
“Putin is the cause of this war, he is the cause of the killings. He will not dictate the terms of peace,” Carney stressed, answering questions from reporters.
Carney said that allied pressure on Russia would include imposing new sanctions, providing weapons to Ukrainian forces, and supporting Ukraine “once there is a cessation of hostilities.” He said that the next package of sanctions was currently being prepared by Ukraine's allies.
Carney earlier assured allies that Canada is ready to provide “direct and scaled-up military assistance” to Ukraine once a ceasefire is reached. This position is consistent with the initiative of French President Emmanuel Macron, who announced the intention of 26 nations to deploy an “assurance force” after the war ends or a peace agreement is signed.
Canada has already pledged $2 billion in military aid to Ukraine. During his first visit to Kyiv in August, Carney said the funds would go toward drones, armored vehicles and other munitions. About 40 percent of the fund would go toward urgent supplies, including transportation, weapons and medical equipment. Another third would go toward NATO’s priority weapons, including American equipment, ammunition and air defense systems.
In addition, Canada plans to purchase anti-drone and electronic warfare equipment for Ukraine. On Independence Day in Kyiv, Carney also announced the allocation of $31 million in humanitarian assistance and programs to support the country's reconstruction in the coming years.
Ottawa, Carney confirmed, is demonstrating its readiness not only for long-term financial and military assistance to Ukraine, but also for participation in the future security system after the war ends.
As a reminder, on August 24, at a joint press conference with the President of Ukraine, Carney noted that security guarantees are very important for Ukraine , and the key to this is a strong Armed Forces. For this, the defense industry, training — all of this must be in place, said Carney, emphasizing that all of this must be supported by partners in the coalition of the willing.
“This is the lesson of Minsk in 2014 — a lesson of history, which is that we should not trust and verify, but deter and strengthen. The basis of this strengthening and deterrence is security guarantees,” the Prime Minister noted.
