Kyiv, Dec 30: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to increase funding for Ukraine’s weapons production and explore opportunities for localized arms manufacturing. The appeal comes as Canada prepares to assume the presidency of the Group of Seven (G7).
Zelenskyy thanked Canada for its defense support, including the NASAMS air defense system, but emphasized the need for expanded assistance amid Ukraine’s ongoing conflict with Russia.
“I spoke with Canada’s Prime Minister @JustinTrudeau ahead of Canada’s G7 presidency,” Zelenskyy said in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “We discussed key priorities, including strengthening sanctions against Russia—particularly targeting their propaganda networks and shadow fleet. I also proposed increasing funding for Ukrainian weapons production and exploring opportunities for localized manufacturing of certain types of arms.”
He added that strong coordination with allies is vital for ensuring Ukraine’s resilience and advancing peace and security.
This marks Zelenskyy’s second recent outreach to a G7 leader. On December 23, he discussed a potential “100-year Ukraine-UK Partnership Agreement” with British officials, seeking defense production investments and tougher sanctions on Russian shadow tanker fleets.
In December, Zelenskyy also met with NATO and European Union leaders to reinforce Ukraine’s stance against Russia. Discussions included EU accession, the use of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine, and enhancing air defense capabilities.
Zelenskyy’s appeal to Canada reflects Ukraine’s effort to diversify arms support as political dynamics shift in the United States. In November, outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden authorized Ukraine to use long-range missiles to target deeper areas in Russia.
However, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has criticized American military aid to Ukraine, labeling Zelenskyy the “best salesman” and pledging to end the war “within days” of taking office. Ukraine is preparing for potential changes in U.S. policy by strengthening ties with other international partners.
As Canada assumes the G7 presidency, its role in supporting Ukraine is likely to come under increased scrutiny. Zelenskyy’s outreach signals the importance Kyiv places on Ottawa’s leadership in coordinating allied efforts against Russia.
The war, now in its second year, continues to reshape global alliances and heighten the need for sustained international cooperation to bolster Ukraine’s defense and rebuild its war-torn economy.
