Daniel Wolfram
Canada continues its expansion into Europe through a massive partnership alongside Ukraine with potential deals up to half a billion Canadian dollars.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in Calgary yesterday to certify a new strong alliance.
The stakes could not be higher.
Both leaders signed a joint Declaration on a 100-Year Partnership to expand security, political, and economic ties.
A century of trust
The deal lays the groundwork for long-term ties while backing efforts toward safety guarantees for war-torn Ukraine.
During the ceremony, Zelenskyy thanked Canada for backing his nation amidst Russian strikes. “We spoke in detail about opportunities to ensure Ukraine’s financial stability for this year and the next. Thank you for the readiness to assist in securing the necessary funding for budget needs and for our warriors.”
Zelenskyy also talked about a joint drone contract. “Of course, we also had a very substantive conversation regarding promising bilateral projects in defense and the economy. In particular, our teams are currently working on the Drone Deal. We expect that in the near future we will be able to reach a full-fledged agreement. Thank you, Mark! Thank you to the people and all of Canada for the significant support,” Zelenskyy added, according to United24 Media.
A huge new deal
Ukrainian Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal met Canadian Minister of Energy Tim Hodgson to pitch a strategic energy security bridge.
The plan involves importing Canadian natural gas to diversify delivery routes. Shmyhal outlined a 30-year energy deal and requested CAD 650 million ($460 million) in direct gas grants before winter, adding to CAD 90 million ($64 million) already sent.
The details of the new drone deal also emerged. Ukrainian firm Airlogix launched a new company, Airlogix-Sentinel, along with Canadian manufacturer Sentinel Research and Development.
The drones will be manufactured in Canada and the venture will produce reconnaissance drones to supply Ukrainian frontline troops.
