Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney in Halifax before heading to the U.S. for discussions with President Donald Trump to help resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Carney expressed optimism under Zelenskyy’s leadership for achieving a just and lasting peace and announced an additional $2.5 billion in economic aid for Ukraine. The aid package includes loan guarantees to international financial institutions and support for the International Monetary Fund.
Zelenskyy’s visit to Canada followed a phone call with Carney, where they discussed diplomatic efforts with the United States to end the conflict that began with Russia’s invasion in February 2022. Zelenskyy is scheduled to present a 20-point peace plan to Trump during their meeting at Mar-a-Lago in Florida.
During the call, Carney praised Zelenskyy’s efforts for peace and the resilience of the Ukrainian people against Russian aggression. Security guarantees for Ukraine and economic agreements will be key topics during Zelenskyy’s discussions with Trump. The Ukrainian side will also address territorial issues, particularly regarding the Donbas region.
Zelenskyy reiterated his willingness to establish a demilitarized zone in eastern Ukraine as part of a peace plan, contingent on reciprocal actions from Russia. He mentioned that a potential U.S.-Ukraine agreement is almost finalized, with territorial disputes being the primary challenge. The Kremlin confirmed ongoing dialogues with U.S. representatives to continue discussions on resolving the conflict.