On February 24, 2022 Russia launched a full scale invasion against Ukraine, violating international law. The war has caused horrific deaths and  injuries, along with displacing and tearing apart families. As of 2025, Russia illegally occupies 20% of Ukraine’s land.  

     Ever since the start of the war, Canada has consistently stood behind Ukraine and provided support in a variety of ways. In fact, the Canadian government has provided Ukraine with over $19.7 billion in aid as well as training Ukrainian soldiers, air support, and ensuring thousands of Ukrainians have access to basic necessities like food, water, and shelter. Canada has also provided a safe place for Ukrainian refugees.

     On February 24, 2025 a summit was held in Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine in order to support the country in its war against Russia.  A total of thirty-seven world leaders attended, thirteen of which arrived in person and 24 attended online. Among those who were physically there was Justin Trudeau, Canadian prime minister. 

     During this summit, a media conference with all the leaders was held and he was asked about deploying Canadian troops to Ukraine. In response, he said, “We will work with our neighbours on it but everything is on the table because we need to make sure that night no longer makes right in this world ”. He elaborated by saying, “[Our] First priority is to make sure there is a ceasefire and that we set up the conditions for  lasting peace.” He also told reporters that Canada will remain involved in establishing peace in Ukraine but are not yet at the stage of sending troops, as it is something that must be taken extremely seriously, as it would take Canada’s involvement in the war a step further.

     In addition to considering sending Canadian troops to fight for Ukraine, Justin Trudeau has confirmed the Canadian government will be keeping their word to provide $5  billion generated from the revenues to frozen Ukrainian assets. He has also promised Canada’s continued aid in training Ukrainian soldiers, military vehicles (specifically four F-16 flight simulators), as well as funding for various other initiatives.

     Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed his gratitude to Canada for its unwavering support, as during the conference he said to Trudeau, “I love Canada. And I really appreciate that we have such relations with you, Justin”. The future of the war is still uncertain but Canada will be standing behind Ukraine and helping in any way it can.