Calgary, Sept 11:
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited Canada on Thursday for talks with Prime Minister Mark Carney as Kyiv sought additional military support amid continuing Russian air attacks.
Zelenskyy’s visit is aimed at securing long-term support for Ukraine as Russian forces continue using ballistic missiles and drones in attacks on Ukrainian cities and energy infrastructure ahead of winter, Ukrainian officials said.
“The main focus will be on supporting Ukraine in protecting our skies and preparing for the winter,” Zelenskyy said in a social media post, adding that the talks would focus on strengthening Ukraine’s resilience and defence capabilities.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada would provide additional military assistance, including support for air defence. Canada and Ukraine also announced plans to expand cooperation in drone production and defence industries. Canada has provided more than $8.5 billion in military assistance to Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion, according to the Canadian government.
The visit comes as diplomatic efforts to end the more than four-year war continue, though recent US-backed talks between Russian and Ukrainian delegations have yet to produce a major breakthrough.