Zelenskiy visits Canada seeking air defense, winter aid

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy arrived in Calgary, Canada, on Wednesday night for a visit focused on bolstering Ukraine's air defenses and preparing for winter. He is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Mark Carney on Thursday morning, with further discussions planned for a cabinet meeting in Banff, Alberta.

Zelenskiy stated that "important meetings and agreements" were planned during his visit, which aims to deepen defense, economic, and energy cooperation between the two nations. The discussions will also address the human cost of Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine and reinforce the strong ties between the countries. Zelenskiy and his wife, Olena Zelenska, were welcomed at the Calgary International Airport by officials including Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand. They are also expected to visit Toronto and North Bay, Ontario, before departing on Friday.

This marks Zelenskiy's first visit to Canada in 2026. Canada has committed $6.5 billion in military assistance to Ukraine through 2029. The visit occurs amid ongoing Russian airstrikes on Ukraine, which has repeatedly requested enhanced air defense support from its allies. European leaders have also expressed concerns about Russia widening its war through acts of sabotage.