**Canada’s Prime Minister and Ukraine’s President Unite Against Russian Aggression**
In a phone call on August 11, Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke out against Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine. The call came just days before a meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Carney and Zelensky welcomed Trump’s efforts to pursue a lasting peace for Ukraine but stressed that “international borders cannot be changed by force” and that any settlement must include “robust and credible” security guarantees.
**Ukraine Must Be Involved in Peace Talks**
President Zelensky emphasized the importance of Ukrainian participation in any discussions on ending the war. He said, “We agreed that no decisions concerning Ukraine’s future and the security of our people can be made without Ukraine’s participation.” Zelensky also urged that sanctions against Russia must remain in force until Kyiv is included in negotiations.
The call highlights the strong support for Ukraine from Canada, a key ally in the international community. Meanwhile, President Trump has described his upcoming meeting with Putin as a “feel-out meeting” to gauge whether a deal can be made.
**Russia’s Ongoing Aggression**
Russia currently occupies nearly 20% of Ukraine, including Crimea and parts of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson oblasts. The annexations have drawn widespread condemnation from the international community.
By August 2025, Russian forces had taken control of almost all of Luhansk Oblast and more than 70% of Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson oblasts. Moscow’s military efforts have centered on Donetsk Oblast, with sustained offensives aimed at capturing key cities such as Pokrovsk and Kostiantynivka.
**Ukraine Rejects Land Swaps**
President Zelensky has rejected any territorial concessions, including land swaps, which were reportedly suggested by Trump as a way to revive peace talks. Instead, Ukraine is calling for a ceasefire as the first step toward peace talks – a position supported by Ukraine’s European allies.
As the international community watches with bated breath, the future of Ukraine and the fate of its people remain uncertain. The call between Carney and Zelensky serves as a reminder that Ukraine must be directly involved in any discussions on ending Russia’s war.
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