During a surprise visit to Kyiv on Sunday, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney indicated that Canada might consider deploying troops to Ukraine as part of future security guarantees against Russia. Carney made these remarks during a joint news conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after their bilateral meeting.

When asked about the type of security guarantees Canada could offer, Carney emphasized the need to support Ukraine's military but suggested that additional measures would be necessary. "I would not exclude the presence of troops," he stated. He noted that relying solely on Ukraine's military for security is not realistic. "So that needs to be buttressed, it needs to be reinforced," he added. Carney mentioned that Canada is collaborating with allies in the Coalition of the Willing to explore various forms of protection by land, air, and sea.

Canada has been involved in discussions for over two years aimed at securing a peace deal in Ukraine. These talks evolved last fall into a coalition of nations committed to maintaining peace in Ukraine, contingent on a ceasefire. This coalition includes most European nations, along with Canada, Japan, and Australia.

Carney's visit coincided with Ukraine's Independence Day celebrations. In a speech at the ceremony, he remarked in French that Ukraine is at a pivotal moment in the war and that international support must increase. "When that peace comes … Canada will be there," he assured. "We will be there with you to promote peace, security, and prosperity for Ukraine once the killing stops."

U.S. President Donald Trump has also been active in the peace process, hosting Russian President Vladimir Putin and later meeting with Zelenskyy and other European leaders. Carney praised Trump's leadership in fostering opportunities for peace.

Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, Russia has intensified its military actions against Ukraine. Moscow has insisted on being involved in any security guarantees for Ukraine, a demand that Zelenskyy has rejected. The future of security guarantees largely hinges on the United States. Trump has stated that there will be no U.S. troops on the ground in Ukraine but has suggested that air presence and intelligence support could be part of any security arrangements.

Carney's trip to Ukraine was part of a broader European tour, which will also include visits to Poland, Germany, and Latvia. He arrived in Kyiv by train early Sunday, under a media blackout for security reasons. Upon arrival, he was welcomed by Canada’s ambassador to Ukraine and other Ukrainian officials.

During the Independence Day ceremony in Sophia Square, Carney delivered a message of solidarity. "Canada will always stand in solidarity with Ukraine," he declared. He highlighted the historical ties between Canada and Ukraine, noting that Canada was the first Western nation to recognize Ukrainian independence.

Zelenskyy expressed his honor at hosting Carney for his first official visit to Ukraine. After the speeches, Carney, Zelenskyy, and the president's wife, Olena Zelenska, laid flowers at a memorial for fallen soldiers. Carney attributed the suffering of Ukrainians to Putin, stating, "But Putin can be stopped. Russia’s economy is weakening. He is becoming more isolated. And our alliance is hardening."

A Canadian government official reported that Russia is making slow progress in its military campaign, with Canadian intelligence estimating that Russia is losing about 1,000 soldiers daily, while Ukraine's losses are around 500 per day. The official noted that Russia has been recruiting soldiers from other countries, which has led to a lack of cohesion and morale within its ranks.

Experts suggest that Canada has a vested interest in supporting Ukraine and other Western nations to counter Russian expansion, particularly in Arctic regions. The official emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum within the coalition to avoid setbacks experienced in the past.

Numerous challenges remain in securing a peace deal, including establishing ceasefire conditions and addressing the status of Russian-occupied territories. Russia currently controls about one-fifth of Ukraine, including Crimea, which it annexed illegally.

Canada has been actively involved in supporting Ukraine since Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014, with Canadian soldiers participating in Operation Unifier, a mission to train Ukrainian forces. To date, Canada has provided approximately $22 billion in financial support to Ukraine, primarily in loans, along with significant humanitarian assistance.