Prime Minister Trudeau Reaffirms Canada’s Commitment to Ukraine on Third Anniversary of Russian Invasion

Kyiv, Ukraine – Marking three years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visited Kyiv today to reaffirm Canada’s steadfast support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and ongoing resistance against Russian aggression.

During his visit, Trudeau highlighted Canada’s recent commitments, including the conclusion of negotiations on a $5 billion contribution to the G7 Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration (ERA) Loans mechanism. Canada will soon disburse the first half of its contribution—$2.5 billion—followed by the remaining funds. The ERA Loans, announced at the G7 Summit in Italy last year, will leverage revenues from frozen Russian sovereign assets to provide Ukraine with approximately $69 billion (US$50 billion) in financial support.

To maintain pressure on Russia, Trudeau also announced new sanctions against 76 individuals and entities supporting the Kremlin’s military-industrial base, facilitating the forced deportation of Ukrainian children, and aiding Russian propaganda operations. Additionally, Canada is sanctioning 109 vessels involved in the transfer of sanctioned goods, including hydrocarbons, which fuel Russia’s war efforts. Since the start of the invasion, Canada has imposed sanctions on more than 3,000 individuals and entities.

My message in Kyiv: We have to do everything in our power to help Ukraine secure lasting peace.

Peace that can’t be achieved without Ukrainians at the table. pic.twitter.com/zOR5fnqAVg

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) February 24, 2025

In response to Russia’s attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, which have left millions without electricity, water, and heat, Trudeau announced a $50 million contribution to assist with urgent repairs and replacement of damaged energy equipment. This builds upon the $20 million in funding Canada announced last year at the Summit on Peace in Ukraine.

Trudeau met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss progress on Canada’s assistance commitments, including the delivery of military training and critical equipment such as armoured combat vehicles, infantry fighting vehicles, ammunition, and F-16 landing systems and simulators. Building on last year’s $3.02 billion Agreement on Security Cooperation, Trudeau announced that $40 million will be allocated to deliver military capabilities through the Danish Model, while $15 million will support Canadian companies investing in Ukraine’s defence sector.

Additional Canadian assistance measures announced by Trudeau include $118.5 million in aid, comprising:

• $92.3 million in development assistance for community-building, food security, and the reintegration of deported children and missing persons;
• $14 million in humanitarian aid for food, shelter, and mental health support;
• $8 million for personal protective equipment against chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats;
• $4.25 million to support peace and stabilization efforts, including aiding women’s rights organizations and protecting civil society representatives;
• $82,000 for local initiatives to support the physical and mental health of former Ukrainian prisoners of war.

Canada has committed over $19.7 billion in assistance to Ukraine since the invasion began in February 2022.

While in Kyiv, Trudeau joined Zelenskyy and international leaders in discussions on military, financial, and humanitarian aid. During a plenary session on Ukraine’s defence and security strategy, he praised Ukrainians for their resilience and emphasized Canada’s role as a steadfast ally. He also convened a hybrid meeting with G7 leaders and Zelenskyy to reinforce the importance of G7 unity in Ukraine’s reconstruction and economic recovery—key priorities for Canada’s G7 Presidency this year.

Trudeau concluded his visit by attending a candle-lighting ceremony to honour those who have lost their lives in the conflict. He reiterated Canada’s unwavering commitment to Ukraine’s fight for freedom, justice, and democracy, pledging continued support until a just and lasting peace is achieved.