Carney pledges $4.3B for Ukraine, adds sanctions condemning Russian 'barbarism'
Sanctions target Russian individuals, entities and vessels as Zelenskyy attends G7
Prime Minister Mark Carney announced billions in support for Ukraine and tougher sanctions against Russia Tuesday as he condemned Russia's "barbarism" following its deadliest attack this year on Kyiv.
Standing next to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, ahead of a sideline meeting on the final day of the G7 summit in Alberta, Carney said a new $2-billion package would fund helicopters, drones and ammunition. His office said money is going toward armoured vehicles as well.
Canada is also lending the war-torn country $2.3-billion to help rebuild its infrastructure and public systems. The Prime Minister's Office said the loan will be repaid by interest charged on Russian assets frozen in Europe.
And Canada is promising a suite of new sanctions targeting Russian individuals, entities contributing to the evasion of sanctions and 200 vessels, part of what is often called Russia's "shadow fleet." The aging tankers are used to evade sanctions on Russian oil.
Despite Zelenskyy's attendance, the G7 leaders did not issue a joint statement on Ukraine. That's because the U.S. wouldn't agree to the final wording, a senior Canadian government source said, speaking on condition that they not be named.
While there was one originally planned, the source said six of the leaders were prepared to go far in their language but the the Americans wanted to water it down. The official said the Americans did not want some pointed remarks about Russia to be included because they feared it would compromise their negotiations with that country over ending the war.
Barrage of missiles, drones in Kyiv
The funding follows a deadly night in Ukraine's capital during which a barrage of Russian missiles and drones killed at least a dozen people and injured more than 100.
"I would like to start with condemning in the strongest terms the latest outrage, barbarism from Russia," Carney said. "This underscores the importance of standing in total solidarity with Ukraine, with the Ukrainian people."
Zelenskyy offered condolences to the families of the victims as he thanked Carney for the support.
"It's a big tragedy for us and we need support from our allies," he said.
"We are ready for the peace negotiations, unconditional ceasefire. I think it's very important, but for this we need pressure."
Zelenskyy had hoped to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump to push for harsher sanctions. Trump was expected to remain until Tuesday, but the president left after Monday's family dinner to deal with the escalating war between Israel and Iran.
The G7 leaders released a joint statement Monday night, calling for a "de-escalation" of hostilities in the Middle East.
Trump's departure is likely also a letdown for the other leaders who travelled for the second day of meetings in Kananaskis and hoped to bend the president's ear.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum made it clear she was making the trip in hopes of meeting with the president to talk tariffs.
Carney's first meeting of the day was with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, whom Carney called "one of the most experienced leaders in the world." In front of the cameras, Rutte heaped praise on the Canadian government for recently promising to meet NATO's military spending guideline by early next year.
The two will see each other again at next week's NATO summit.
Modi, Carney meet
Carney spoke with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday afternoon as the Canadian leader tests renewing ties with the global economic power.
In a social media post, Modi praised it as an excellent meeting, adding India and Canada are connected "by a strong belief in democracy, freedom and rule of law," a comment bound to raise eyebrows given the serious allegations the RCMP has levied against New Delhi.
The controversial meeting between the two leaders comes just months after the RCMP accused Indian agents of orchestrating a campaign of violence on Canadian soil, including acts of murder, extortion and coercion.
Nearly two years ago, then prime minister Justin Trudeau announced Canada had evidence linking Indian agents to the Hardeep Singh Nijjar killing.
Other invitees at the table Tuesday include Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa (this year's G20 chair), South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, United Arab Emirates President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and World Bank President Ajay Banga.
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With files from Michael Woods, J.P. Tasker, Ashley Burke and The Canadian Press