Canadian PM Carney says a willing Russia is needed for Ukraine peace, announcing $2.5 billion in aid after a major Russian bombardment of Kyiv
HALIFAX: Establishing a lasting peace in Ukraine requires “a willing Russia,” Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said.
He denounced the “barbarism” of Moscow’s latest bombardment of Kyiv as he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
“We have the conditions… of a just and lasting peace, but that requires a willing Russia, and the barbarism that we saw overnight… shows just how important it is that we stand with Ukraine,” Carney said.
Zelensky was in Halifax, Nova Scotia, en route to meet US President Donald Trump in Florida.
The Canadian leader announced CAN$2.5 billion (US$1.82 billion) in fresh economic assistance for Ukraine.
He said the aid would help unlock international financing “to begin this process of rebuilding” the country after almost four years of war.
Joined by Carney, Zelensky held a video call with European leaders from Halifax.
He then continued his journey to Florida for what he said he hoped would be “very constructive” talks with Trump.
The discussions will focus on a new, 20-point plan to end the war.
The Ukrainian leader said the overnight bombardment on Kyiv and surrounding regions was “Russia’s answer to our peace efforts.”
“And this really showed that Putin doesn’t want peace, and we want peace,” he added.
Some 500 drones and 40 missiles pounded Kyiv and its surrounding region overnight.
Ukrainian authorities said the attack killed two people and wounded dozens.
It also cut power and heating to hundreds of thousands amid freezing temperatures.
