Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and U.S. Special Envoy Keith Kellogg joined Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv on August 24 to commemorate Ukraine’s 34th Independence Day. The ceremony, held in central Kyiv’s Sophia Square, was attended by defense ministers from Sweden, Denmark, Romania, Lithuania, and Latvia, as well as the UK Minister for Veterans Affairs.
During the event, Carney expressed Canada’s support for Ukraine, stating, “On this Ukrainian Independence Day, and at this critical moment in their nation’s history, Canada is stepping up our support and our efforts towards a just and lasting peace for Ukraine.” He emphasized the deepening friendship between Canada and Ukraine, rooted in shared values of peace, security, and democracy.
Carney also announced that Ukraine would receive over $723 million in military aid from a previously announced package next month. The two leaders signed an agreement on drone co-production, further solidifying Canada’s commitment to Ukraine’s defense.
Zelensky presented Kellogg with a state honor, saying “we need peace” as he gave him a medal in a leather case. Carney backed Ukraine’s calls for robust security guarantees, potentially including troop deployment, as part of any peace deal. “In Canada’s judgment, it is not realistic that the only security guarantee could be the strength of the Ukrainian Armed Forces… that needs to be buttressed and reinforced,” Carney said.
Kellogg’s visit to Ukraine comes at a pivotal moment, as discussions over long-term security arrangements and U.S.-Ukraine relations continue to evolve. The U.S. and Ukraine are working with European allies to draft potential frameworks for post-war security guarantees for Kyiv.