On August 24, 2025, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney made a surprise visit to Kyiv, standing alongside Ukrainian leaders on the country’s 34th Independence Day and unveiling a sweeping military and humanitarian aid package aimed at fortifying Ukraine’s defenses against Russia. The announcement, which had been foreshadowed by previous commitments at the G7 summit in June, marks one of the largest single pledges of support from Canada to Ukraine since the war’s onset in 2022.
The centerpiece of Carney’s visit was the confirmation of a 2 billion Canadian dollar (approximately $1.45 billion USD or €1.34 billion) military aid package. According to The Canadian Press, the package includes $835 million (Canadian) to procure urgently needed supplies for Ukraine’s war effort—ranging from armored vehicles and medical equipment to small arms, ammunition, and explosives. A further $680 million is earmarked for the purchase of U.S. military equipment, with a particular focus on air defense capabilities prioritized by NATO.
“I am proud to announce that over $1 billion of this amount will be used to strengthen your weapons arsenal through the delivery of drones, ammunition, and armored vehicles, which will arrive as early as next month,” Carney declared, as reported by Online.ua. The delivery of these supplies is expected in September, with Ukrainian officials emphasizing the urgency of their arrival on the front lines.
But the package goes far beyond simply shipping equipment. In a move hailed as a milestone in bilateral defense cooperation, Carney and Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, together with Canadian Defense Minister David McGuinty, signed a new agreement to expand joint defense production. This initiative, as described by Shmyhal and reported by United24 Media, is aimed at establishing new production facilities in both countries, facilitating technology exchange, and ensuring a long-term supply of modern weapons—especially drones and counter-drone systems—to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who met with Carney and attended the signing, underscored the critical importance of this collaboration. “A priority area of cooperation will be the joint production of drones,” Zelenskyy stated. He highlighted that Ukraine faces a significant shortage of unmanned systems and requires expanded production to meet the ever-increasing demand at the front. The Canadian government has already allocated initial funding to support this initiative, which will also enable the creation of Ukrainian companies in Canada and strengthen the continuity of defense supply chains.
According to UNN and Ukrinform, Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal expressed gratitude for the $1 billion military aid package, including drones and ammunition. He also highlighted Canada’s contribution of approximately $500 million under the Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) program for the procurement of American weapons for Ukraine. “We also appreciate Canada’s contribution of approximately $500 million to the PURL program for the procurement of American weapons for Ukraine,” Shmyhal stated. The two defense ministers discussed the expansion of industrial cooperation, particularly investments in joint drone production—a theme echoed throughout the day’s meetings.
The structure of Canada’s aid package reflects a multi-layered approach. As detailed by National Herald, about $220 million (Canadian) is dedicated to drone, counter-drone, and electronic warfare technologies, with part of this investment directed toward joint ventures between Canadian and Ukrainian industries. Additional funds are allocated to multilateral initiatives, including Canada’s work in the Contact Group for Ukraine Defense capabilities coalitions and the Czech Ammunition Initiative, which will further bolster Ukraine’s ability to sustain its defense operations.
Carney’s visit was not solely about military hardware. He also announced $31 million in humanitarian aid and reconstruction support, which will fund emergency medical assistance, the construction of bomb shelters, and projects to counter disinformation and strengthen Ukraine’s digital resilience. “Canada will always be a reliable ally of Ukraine, both in countering Russian aggression and in rebuilding after the war,” Carney pledged, according to Online.ua. These words were met with appreciation from Ukrainian officials, who have repeatedly stressed the importance of international support for both immediate needs and long-term recovery.
Canada’s commitment to Ukraine is not new, but the scale and scope of this latest package stand out. Since the Russian invasion in February 2022, Canada has provided nearly €13.62 billion (or $22 billion Canadian) in assistance to Ukraine, largely in the form of loans and military support, as reported by The Canadian Press and United24 Media. Canada was also among the first Western countries to recognize Ukraine’s independence in 1991 and is home to a vibrant Ukrainian diaspora of over a million people.
The announcement came as diplomatic efforts intensified elsewhere. According to United24 Media, U.S. President Donald Trump recently met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska before hosting Zelenskyy and other European leaders in Washington. Trump announced plans for bilateral talks between Putin and Zelenskyy, with security guarantees for Ukraine under consideration. While the outcome of these talks remains uncertain, the timing of Carney’s visit and Canada’s robust aid package sends a strong signal of unwavering Western support for Ukraine.
Canada’s support is also expanding on the legal and economic fronts. During his visit, Carney signed a customs mutual assistance agreement with Ukraine, enabling the Canada Border Services Agency to share information and coordinate investigations into customs violations, smuggling, and other trade-related crimes. Ottawa says this agreement will help both countries respond more effectively to illicit activities that threaten Ukraine’s economy and border security.
Prime Minister Carney did not shy away from addressing the broader geopolitical stakes. “The Russian economy is weakening. It is becoming increasingly isolated. While our alliance is becoming stronger, more determined and more united,” he declared, as quoted by Online.ua. His words reflect a growing confidence among Western allies that the tide of the conflict can be turned with sustained support and strategic investments.
President Zelenskyy, for his part, welcomed Canada’s involvement in Ukraine’s energy sector, noting the country’s port infrastructure and storage facilities as assets for future Canadian gas supplies. He also expressed confidence that Canada could play an important role in shaping international security guarantees for Ukraine—a nod to the long-term vision underpinning the day’s announcements.
As Ukraine marks its Independence Day under the shadow of war, the deepening partnership with Canada stands as a testament to the resilience and resolve of both nations. With new agreements inked, billions in aid on the table, and a renewed commitment to joint innovation and production, Ukraine’s fight for sovereignty has gained a powerful ally—and a fresh infusion of hope.
