KYIV — Ukrainians should have no doubt about Canada's commitment to their country, Prime Minister Carney said on Sunday as he made a surprise visit to Kyiv to mark Ukraine's Independence Day.

On what was his first trip to the war-torn nation, Carney gave a speech in Sophia Square in front of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

"Mr. President, dear friends, my message today is simple: Canada will always stand in solidarity with Ukraine," he said.

"We will be always with you, so your many sacrifices lead to the peace, security and prosperity that all Ukrainians — that all peoples — deserve."

He said Ukraine's cause — of freedom, democracy and sovereignty — is Canada's cause.

Carney left Canada early Saturday for the trip, that will also include stops in Poland, Germany and Latvia.

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