Canada has agreed to provide Ukraine with a C$350 million ($257 million) aid package to help Kyiv acquire critical air defence interceptors as Russia continues to intensify its aerial attacks.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the package on Thursday following a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Calgary.
Carney said Ukraine’s air defences were becoming increasingly critical as Russia stepped up attacks involving missiles and drones.
“As Russia escalates its barbaric aerial warfare indiscriminately targeting civilian populations, Ukraine’s air defences are critical,” Carney told reporters.
He said Canada and Ukraine had finalised an agreement for the delivery of air defence interceptors, describing the C$350 million equipment package as support aimed at protecting Ukraine’s people, infrastructure and airspace.
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Ukraine Running Low on Air Defence Interceptors
Ukraine has been struggling with shortages of air defence systems, including U.S.-made Patriot interceptors, which are capable of intercepting some of Russia’s ballistic missiles.
Carney did not provide details about exactly which interceptors would be supplied or when the equipment would begin reaching Ukraine.
The weapons will be provided through a U.S.-backed programme that allows third-party countries to purchase and supply weapons to Ukraine.
Zelenskiy welcomed the announcement, saying the assistance was particularly important at a time when Ukraine was facing intensified Russian attacks.
“I thank you for this package. It’s of the utmost importance, especially now,” Zelenskiy said.
Canada Plans Major Drone Production Increase
Canada also plans to significantly expand its domestic drone manufacturing capacity.
Carney said Canada aims to produce millions of drones within the next two years, with approximately one-third of the production intended for Ukraine.
Zelenskiy said Ukraine needed additional technology and funding to increase its own drone production capacity and strengthen its ability to respond to large-scale Russian attacks.
The announcement comes as both Russia and Ukraine continue to use drones extensively in their ongoing war.
Additional Support for Ukraine’s Energy Sector
As part of the agreements reached during Zelenskiy’s visit, Canada will also provide nearly C$435 million in new loan guarantees to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
The financing is intended to support Ukraine’s energy security, particularly as the country prepares for the winter months.
Canada has remained one of Ukraine’s strongest international supporters since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.
Ottawa says it has committed more than C$25.5 billion in total assistance to Ukraine, including approximately C$8.5 billion in military assistance.
Zelenskiy’s Visit Comes Amid Intensifying Russian Attacks
The Canadian announcement comes as Russia has stepped up its attacks across Ukraine.
On Thursday, Russian forces launched a major assault on Pavlohrad, killing seven people and injuring 76, while other strikes hit Kyiv and Dnipro. Ukrainian officials have warned that the country’s air defence shortages are making it increasingly difficult to protect civilian and economic infrastructure.
The latest Canadian support is therefore expected to strengthen Ukraine’s ability to defend its cities and critical infrastructure against Russia’s continuing missile and drone campaign.
For Kyiv, the immediate priority remains securing enough air defence systems, drones and other military technology to withstand Russia’s escalating attacks.
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