A resident walks along a street as a firefighter works at the site of the Russian missile strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in the village of Sknyliv, Ukraine August 21.Roman Baluk/Reuters
Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada may play a role in security guarantees for Ukraine in the event that an agreement is reached to end its war against Russia.
Speaking at a news conference related to trade Friday, Mr. Carney says that Canada is a core member of an alliance of about 30 countries called the “coalition of the willing” that is supporting Ukraine.
He said Canada’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Jennie Carignan, and other Canadian officials are participating in discussions with allies about what form those guarantees may take.
“It’s a fluid situation. It’s a delicate situation,” he said, adding that discussions among allies include planning related to weapons, training as well as land, air and sea support. He said Canada “might play” a role within that broader group.
“Canada has the potential to have an important role. So, we’re very engaged in these sets of issues,” he said, adding that the situation was discussed during his phone conversation this week with U.S. President Donald Trump.
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The issue of providing Ukraine with security support should the fighting come to an end was a main topic of conversation this week at the White House, where Mr. Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and several European leaders.
That meeting followed last week’s face-to-face summit between Mr. Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska aimed at finding a resolution to the conflict.
During the news conference, Mr. Carney also said he is scheduled to meet German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Germany on Tuesday.
He said those talks will focus on expanding trade opportunities in critical minerals and energy as well as discussions related to defence and security.
Mr. Carney said he will be joined on the trip by Energy and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson, Industry Minister Mélanie Joly and Defence Minister David McGuinty.