**Canada’s PM Reaffirms Support for Ukraine in Meeting with Zelensky**
In a show of solidarity, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has reaffirmed his country’s unwavering support for Ukraine during a meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky in Rome. The high-level meeting took place on May 17, amidst a gathering of world leaders to attend the inaugural Mass of Pope Leo XIV.
This was the first time Zelensky and Carney met, and it was clear that the Canadian prime minister has a deep admiration for Ukraine and its people. “We admire what you are doing,” Carney said. “We admire your commitment to peace, which you have demonstrated again this week. And let me underscore that there can be no peace without the full support and participation of Ukraine – and that you have our absolute support.”
**Ukraine’s Gratitude**
Following the meeting, Zelensky took to social media to express his gratitude for Canada’s unwavering support. “We truly value having Canada as a real friend of Ukraine,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter). This sentiment was echoed by the Ukrainian president when he shared the details of what was discussed during the meeting.
**Key Conditions for Lasting Peace**
Zelensky outlined the conditions needed to bring about lasting peace in Ukraine, highlighting the need for additional sanctions against Russia and defense cooperation between Ukraine and its allies. “We discussed what is needed to bring a lasting peace closer,” he wrote. “The key priority is to apply pressure on Russia in a way that compels real steps toward ending the war.”
Just a day earlier, Ukrainian and Russian delegates had met in Istanbul for peace talks, but were unable to reach a breakthrough after speaking for less than two hours. Zelensky emphasized the need for additional sanctions and defense cooperation as key components of a lasting peace.
**Invitations and Future Cooperation**
Carney confirmed that President Zelensky has been invited to attend the upcoming G7 Summit in June, which will be hosted by Canada as current G7 president. In turn, Zelensky extended an invitation to Carney to visit Ukraine, writing that he looks forward to “welcoming the Prime Minister to Ukraine.”
As we continue to follow the developments in Ukraine, it is clear that international support and cooperation are crucial in bringing about a lasting peace. The reaffirmation of Canada’s commitment to Ukraine serves as a reminder of the importance of collective action in addressing global conflicts.
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