Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasized the importance of maintaining strong pressure on Moscow and its allies, including Canada, after Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent threat to target foreign troops in Ukraine. Carney highlighted Putin’s lack of commitment to peace and stated that Putin is responsible for the ongoing conflict and bloodshed, asserting that he will not dictate the terms of peace.
Carney outlined the allied strategy to pressure Russia, including implementing new sanctions, providing support to Ukrainian forces, and ensuring assistance to Ukraine once hostilities cease. He mentioned that Ukraine’s allies are in the process of preparing the next set of sanctions against Russia.
According to reports from the Associated Press, Putin stated that any foreign troops entering Ukraine would be considered legitimate targets by Russian forces. He also rejected the idea of peacekeeping forces in Ukraine post a peace agreement, assuring compliance with any treaty obligations.
Carney’s spokesperson announced Canada’s readiness to offer direct and scalable military aid in a post-ceasefire Ukraine. Following a meeting where French President Emmanuel Macron revealed that 26 allies pledged to deploy a reassuring force after a ceasefire, Carney reiterated Canada’s commitment to providing military assistance to Ukraine, including the previously pledged $2 billion in aid for drones, armored vehicles, and other munitions.
The prime minister’s funding announcement at the G7 summit in Alberta includes allocating funds for urgent supplies, prioritized NATO equipment purchases, and various capabilities like drones and electronic warfare for Ukraine. Carney also disclosed plans for $31 million in humanitarian aid and reconstruction support for Ukraine during his visit to Kyiv on their Independence Day.