For more than three years, Ukraine has defended itself with extraordinary courage against Russia’s illegal and unprovoked full-scale invasion. The war, which continues to devastate Ukrainian cities and communities, has become a defining struggle not only for Ukraine’s sovereignty but also for the global rules-based order. Canada, standing firmly with Ukraine since the first days of the invasion, reaffirmed its steadfast commitment this week as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau joined Euro-Atlantic and NATO leaders at the Securing Our Future Summit in London, United Kingdom.
Hosted by British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, the Summit brought together key international leaders to reinforce collective security and strengthen the resolve to counter Russia’s aggression. Throughout the meetings, Prime Minister Trudeau underscored that defending Ukraine means defending democracy, freedom, and the very principles that underpin international law.
During the Summit, Prime Minister Trudeau announced fresh Canadian sanctions targeting 10 individuals and 21 entities, including paramilitary groups and their leaders operating in Ukraine and across Russia’s wider network. These measures aim to disrupt Moscow’s use of third-party actors to sustain its military and economic ambitions in Ukraine. To date, Canada has sanctioned more than 3,000 individuals and entities complicit in Russia’s aggression, with further economic pressure expected in coordination with allies.
In his address to the Summit’s plenary session, Trudeau highlighted Canada’s comprehensive support for Ukraine, including nearly $20 billion in assistance since 2022. This aid spans military equipment, financial loans, humanitarian relief, and development support aimed at helping Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts. Military contributions have included M777 howitzers, Leopard 2 tanks, and advanced drone technology, as well as extensive training for Ukrainian troops under Operation UNIFIER, which has now trained over 44,000 Ukrainian soldiers.
As discussions focused on Ukraine’s future, the Prime Minister stressed that any pathway to peace must be defined by Ukraine itself, with full participation at the negotiating table. Canada’s G7 presidency this year provides an additional platform to drive coordinated support and long-term security guarantees for Ukraine. Trudeau emphasized that peace in Europe cannot exist without a secure and sovereign Ukraine.
Prime Minister Trudeau also met bilaterally with Prime Minister Starmer to discuss the evolving security situation, transatlantic unity, and further bilateral cooperation. He also highlighted Canada’s leadership in the newly formed International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, aimed at addressing Russia’s illegal deportation and forced transfer of Ukrainian children—a practice condemned internationally as a war crime.
The Prime Minister reinforced that Canada’s commitment to holding Russia accountable remains absolute. This includes pursuing justice for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the systematic targeting of civilians and critical infrastructure across Ukraine. Canada will continue to work with allies to use all available mechanisms to isolate Russia diplomatically and economically.
With millions of Ukrainians displaced, Canada has also welcomed more than 220,000 Ukrainians since the start of the invasion, offering temporary financial support, settlement services, and employment programs to assist families arriving in Canada. This reflects not only Canada’s commitment to humanitarian support but also the deep ties between the two nations, as Canada remains home to the largest Ukrainian diaspora in the Western world.
As the Summit concluded, Prime Minister Trudeau’s message was clear: Canada will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes. From sanctions and military aid to humanitarian assistance and diplomatic support, Canada’s unwavering resolve is rooted in the belief that Ukraine’s fight for sovereignty is a fight for the principles of freedom and democracy everywhere.
