Prime Minister Justin Trudeau arrived in Kyiv, Ukraine, on February 24, 2025, for a press briefing. He was joined by Defence Minister Bill Blair and Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Jennie Carignan. The Canadian Press
World leaders, including Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, gathered in Kyiv to show support for Ukraine on the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion. Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump made headlines by calling for negotiations with Russia and proposing a deal to recover American aid through Ukraine’s mineral resources.
Trudeau, attending a G7 meeting in Ukraine, pledged unwavering support for the country, emphasizing the importance of defending sovereignty and territorial integrity. “Canada has stood with Ukraine since day one, and that will never change,” he said. Trudeau also announced $5 billion in aid, using funds seized from Russian assets, along with 25 light-armored vehicles and other military assistance.
Trump, however, took a different stance. Writing on social media, he stated that the war "would never have started if I was president" and pushed for a U.S.-Ukraine minerals agreement. The deal, which Ukraine has yet to sign, would provide the U.S. with access to critical minerals used in technology and energy production. Trump argued that this would help the U.S. recover the billions spent on military aid while boosting Ukraine’s economy.
Trump also revealed that he was in “serious discussions” with Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate an end to the war. He added that talks were “going well” and hinted at an upcoming meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to finalize an agreement.
Trudeau’s visit to Kyiv was part of a broader show of support by global leaders. A dozen European and Canadian leaders traveled to Ukraine’s capital to reinforce their commitment to the country’s fight for freedom. In a press conference, Trudeau acknowledged the possibility of sending Canadian troops to Ukraine under a potential ceasefire agreement. “We will work with our allies, and everything is on the table,” he said.
Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre also weighed in, criticizing the idea of peace talks that do not include Ukraine. “No negotiation should happen without Ukraine at the table,” he stated. He also reaffirmed his party’s commitment to supporting Ukraine, recalling Canada’s past military assistance under former Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly confirmed that Trudeau and Trump recently discussed the war. However, she noted that Canada and other G7 nations disagreed with a recent U.S. proposal at the United Nations. The U.S. drafted a resolution recognizing the war’s destruction but did not explicitly blame Russia.
Despite growing discussions on diplomacy, Ukraine remains determined to continue fighting until a just and lasting peace is achieved. Trudeau reiterated Canada’s commitment to Ukraine beyond military aid, stating that the fight is about protecting global stability. Zelenskyy, in response, expressed deep gratitude for Canada’s continued support, saying, “You helped us a lot from the very beginning.”
