**Canada Wants to Help Protect Ukraine**
The Canadian government is interested in being part of conversations about security guarantees for Ukraine. This was stated by Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly on February 18.
“We want to be part of these conversations regarding security guarantees,” Joly said in Brussels.
Joly’s comments come as Canada prepares to join European countries at a high-level summit in Paris, where leaders will discuss security options for Ukraine. The meeting follows a previous gathering between US and Russian delegations in Saudi Arabia that did not include Ukraine.
**Canada Asks US to Keep Ukraine Involved**
Canada is asking the US to keep Ukraine at the table in any talks with Russia, Joly said. She added that the West cannot “let Russia go unchecked.” Many Canadians are inspired by Ukraine’s fight against Russia, she noted.
**US and Russia Hold Secret Meeting**
The US and Russian delegations met in Saudi Arabia on February 18 without including Ukraine. This move has raised concerns among Ukrainian officials.
“We were not invited to this Russian-American meeting in Saudi Arabia,” said President Volodymyr Zelensky. “It was a surprise for us.”
**Ukraine Asks Europe to Take Control of Sanctions**
The European Union needs to take greater control of its sanctions policy against Russia, according to EU Economy and Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis.
“Only three countries — Ukraine, Russia, and North Korea — are gaining direct experience in full-scale 21st-century warfare,” said Kyrylo Budanov.
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