Canada has pledged to provide Ukraine with a significant package of air defence systems, along with support for its energy sector, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced ahead of a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. The announcement reflects continued Western support as Ukraine faces intensified missile attacks from Russia.

Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Canada has committed over C$25.5 billion (approximately £13.65 billion) in aid, including C$8.5 billion in military assistance. The incoming air defence systems are intended to help Kyiv counter Russia’s ballistic missile strikes, which have increased in frequency amid the ongoing conflict. Ukraine is reportedly running critically low on US-made Patriot missile interceptors that can effectively neutralize such attacks.

“This is a very important package of air defence,” Zelensky stated, underlining the urgency of bolstering Ukraine's defensive capabilities. Carney echoed this commitment, assuring that Canada would provide additional support to help Ukraine repel Russian assaults.

The meeting took place shortly after a reported attempted attack on Zelensky’s plane as it departed Moldova en route to Norway, where he planned to attend the funeral of King Harald V. Ukrainian officials characterized the incident as a near-miss involving a drone targeting the president’s aircraft. The Kremlin, however, denied that there was any threat to Zelensky’s plane but did not provide evidence to support this claim.

Canada’s expanded assistance highlights the ongoing international effort to support Ukraine amid a conflict that has drawn attention to strategic military aid, energy security, and civilian protection. The air defence package is among the latest efforts to strengthen Kyiv’s ability to withstand Russia’s escalating missile campaigns as the war persists.