As Ukraine urgently seeks more air defense, Canada announces $900 million military aid package

Canada has announced a new military assistance package worth nearly $900 million for Ukraine, including air defense systems, ammunition, and military equipment, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The package is intended to reinforce Kyiv’s defenses as Russia continues large-scale missile and drone attacks across the country. Recent attacks have led to mass destruction and dozens of civilian casualties, highlighting shortages in Ukrainian air defenses.

Strengthening Ukraine’s air defenses remains the priority 

The announcement was made during a meeting between Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara.

Zelenskyy said strengthening Ukraine’s air defenses remains the immediate priority.

“We are primarily focused on ensuring there is more air defense. Protecting lives is the main thing, and Russia’s ballistic missiles, other missiles, and drones are terror that must be overcome together with our partners,” he said, thanking Canada and Carney for the new support.

Air defense remains a priority

The announcement comes as Ukraine urgently seeks additional air defense systems and interceptor missiles following a series of massive Russian aerial attacks involving hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles, including ballistic missiles.

Zelenskyy said part of Canada’s assistance intended to strengthen Ukraine’s air defenses is already on its way to the country.

“This is medium-term assistance. By medium term, I mean over the next few months. It includes military equipment, ammunition, and other support, in addition to this vital air defense assistance,” Carney said, according to a statement from the Ukrainian President’s Office.

Canada backs Ukraine’s recovery and energy security

According to Novyny.LIVE, Carney also said Canada will continue supporting Ukraine’s energy sector ahead of the coming winter, assist reconstruction efforts, and back Ukraine’s integration into the European and global economy.

Zelenskyy added that the two sides also discussed joint energy projects involving Ukraine’s state-owned oil and gas company Naftogaz.

Drone agreement under discussion

Zelenskyy said Ukraine and Canada are also preparing a bilateral Drone Deal, describing it as an agreement that goes beyond drone production.

“It is not only about drones, but about a new and effective security system, with capabilities proven in this war. It will certainly be useful,” he said.

The Ukrainian president added that he and Carney discussed the current diplomatic situation and exchanged ideas on how to bring peace closer by creating what he described as a “real interest” within Russia in negotiations.

Canada invites Ukraine to defense investment bank

Zelenskyy also announced that Canada has invited Ukraine to become a founding member of a new international bank focused on defense, security, and resilience.

According to the Ukrainian president, the institution will attract investment into defense manufacturing and support the development of military technologies proven under real combat conditions.