Trudeau Puts Troop Deployment In Ukraine ‘On the Table’ After Kyiv Visit
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s recent visit to Kyiv brought fresh urgency to the debate over Canada’s involvement in Ukraine’s ongoing conflict with Russia. Speaking alongside European leaders gathered to mark the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Trudeau signaled that sending Canadian troops remains an option in any forthcoming peace deal.
“We will work with our neighbours on it, but everything is on the table,” he said during a joint media conference.
The prime minister emphasized that the first step is to secure a ceasefire and create conditions for a durable resolution.
“When we establish the way we’re going to keep a lasting peace… Canada will be involved, but we’re not at that position yet,” he told reporters, adding that any deployment of Canadian soldiers must be taken “very, very seriously.”
Trudeau framed the possibility of Canadian troops on the ground as part of a broader mission to counter what he described as “the forces of chaos that [Russian President] Vladimir Putin is trying to unleash on the world.”
Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly recently reinforced Canada’s willingness to bolster Ukraine’s defense, stating that the government was interested in “more Canadians being involved in protecting Ukraine.”
During the summit, Trudeau also touted the fulfillment of a pledge made last June to channel $5 billion to Ukraine using revenues from frozen Russian assets. His office also reported an additional US$50 billion in support from G7 countries, to be repaid using “future flows of extraordinary revenues” linked to immobilized Russian holdings. These financial commitments come alongside promises of 25 more light armoured vehicles, two armoured combat-support vehicles, and four F-16 flight simulators.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledged Canada’s contributions, expressing gratitude for the training of Ukrainian soldiers and the provision of “Canadian high-level optic technologies” for drones on the battlefield.
Trudeau’s trip came amid widespread European concern over Washington’s recent talks with Moscow that did not include Ukrainian officials. Finnish President Alexander Stubb called for a united European stance, cautioning that a narrow focus on “boots on the ground” risks missing the broader picture.
For his part, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier spoke harshly of overtures to the Kremlin, stating, “Russia may have gained an open ear in the White House, but they have not gained an inch of legitimacy.”
“We can’t wait. The moment to stop this war of aggression, the moment to defend democracy, the moment to stand for our shared values — is now,” Trudeau emphasized in the summit.
His visit marked his fourth trip to Ukraine since 2022 and possibly his last as prime minister, with a leadership transition in Canada slated for next month.
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