Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to make his first international journey of the new year, heading to France for critical discussions aimed at forging a path to peace in Ukraine.
Diplomatic Mission for a Just Peace
The Prime Minister's Office confirmed on Friday that Carney will travel to Paris early next week. He will meet with representatives from the "coalition of the willing," a group of 35 nations united in their support for Ukraine against the ongoing Russian invasion that has now lasted for years.
"Through the Coalition of the Willing and other partnerships, Canada is working to strengthen Ukraine’s defence capabilities, secure the return of unlawfully deported Ukrainian children, and support long-term recovery and prosperity for the Ukrainian people," stated the PMO.
Carney emphasized the trip's purpose, saying, "Canada is working relentlessly with our allies to secure a just and lasting peace for Ukraine. We must deter and fortify — with robust security guarantees and by ensuring Ukraine can rebuild, recover, and create the foundations of true prosperity."
Canada's Substantial Financial and Military Support
This diplomatic push is backed by significant Canadian assistance. Since the war began, Canada has committed a total of $23.5 billion in aid to Ukraine. This monumental sum includes over $12 billion in direct financial support.
The most recent pledge came just last month, when Defence Minister David McGuinty and Foreign Minister Anita Anand announced an additional $200 million aid package. This funding is primarily for U.S.-sourced critical military hardware, procured through NATO’s Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL).
Canada's previous military contributions have been extensive and include:
- Leopard 2A4 main battle tanks
- Armoured vehicles and personnel carriers
- Drones and surface-to-air missile systems
- Artillery, ammunition, and small arms
- Medical supplies
Furthermore, the latest federal budget allocated $35 million to fund NATO’s Comprehensive Assistance Package (CAP) program specifically for Ukraine.
A Packed International Schedule for the Prime Minister
The Paris summit represents just the start of a busy international travel schedule for Carney in early 2026. He is scheduled to depart Ottawa for the French capital on Monday, January 5, and return on Tuesday, January 6.
Notably, the meeting will include Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who met with Carney in Halifax just last week before continuing to the United States.
Immediately following this diplomatic mission, Carney will embark on another significant trip. One week after returning from France, the Prime Minister will leave for a week-long tour that includes stops in China, Qatar, and Davos, Switzerland for the annual World Economic Forum gathering.
This sequence of high-level engagements underscores the Canadian government's continued focus on international security, economic diplomacy, and its steadfast commitment to supporting Ukraine's sovereignty and future recovery.
