Manitoba signs deal to support reconstruction efforts in war-torn Kherson region of Ukraine

The Manitoba government has signed an agreement with an area of Ukraine to support reconstruction efforts.

Premier Wab Kinew made the announcement in Calgary following the G7 leaders' summit in nearby Kananaskis, Alta.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had been scheduled to meet with Kinew but left early.

Zelenskyy told the G7 that overnight Russian attacks killed 15 and injured more than 150 in Ukraine and he called for support from allies.

Kinew signed a memorandum of understanding to support the southern Kherson region, which is partly occupied by Russian forces.

The premier says the partnership reflects Manitoba's unwavering support for Ukraine, as the province has welcomed more than 30,000 Ukrainians since the Russian invasion began in 2022.

"Our province is home to a vibrant Ukrainian community that has contributed immensely to our cultural and economic fabric," Kinew said in a statement Tuesday.

"Through this MOU, we are deepening our ties and standing in solidarity with Kherson. We are committed to helping Ukraine rebuild during the war and as a free country after."

The agreement calls for collaboration in areas including agriculture, economic development, education and health care.

The G7 countries did not issue a joint statement on Ukraine, despite Zelenskyy's presence at the high-level meeting in Kananaskis, where he called for a peace deal.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Mark Carney deflected questions from journalists about the lack of a standalone joint statement, after reports of a disagreement with the U.S. around language about Russia.

Carney, as host, did release a chair statement which "expressed support for President [Donald] Trump's efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine" and "recognized that Ukraine has committed to an unconditional ceasefire, and they agreed that Russia must do the same."

He said all seven leaders agreed to that wording.