Carney Visits Ukraine as Canada Considers Troop Deployment for Peacekeeping

Mark Carney, Canada’s Prime Minister, is visiting Ukraine for the first time on August 24, 2023, coinciding with the nation’s Independence Day celebrations. His visit comes as Canada contemplates joining peacekeeping efforts alongside European allies, amid ongoing tensions in the region. The Canadian government has indicated its potential willingness to participate in these peacekeeping operations, which would be coordinated by a coalition of around 30 nations, including France and the UK.

During a recent background briefing, a senior government official highlighted that Canada is not dismissing the option of troop deployment if the coalition reaches a consensus. This statement aligns with Carney’s emphasis on the necessity of providing training and arms to bolster Ukrainian forces. At a news conference, Carney stated, “There has to be security on the land, in the air and in the sea. There’s a role — potential — for the members of the coalition to provide support for all of those elements. We’ll see what role Canada might play within that broader group.”

Canada has focused primarily on training Ukrainian soldiers and providing substantial financial aid, amounting to approximately C$2 billion (around $1.4 billion) pledged during the Group of Seven leaders’ summit in June. Despite the government’s commitment to support Ukraine, it faces challenges in deploying a significant military presence due to a shortage of qualified personnel. Currently, the Canadian military is stretched thin by domestic commitments and its ongoing engagement in Latvia.

The United States has made it clear that it will not send troops to Ukraine but remains open to deploying air defense systems. However, significant obstacles persist in negotiating a peace settlement. The Kremlin has insisted that Ukraine relinquish control over substantial portions of eastern territory and has firmly rejected the idea of NATO troops on Ukrainian soil.

Carney’s visit aims to convey strong support for Ukraine’s sovereignty. He is scheduled to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to discuss the details of the aid package previously announced. Furthermore, Carney’s discussions will include advancing a bilateral security agreement established with Ukraine in 2024.

Canada’s military spending has historically lagged behind that of many allies. Nevertheless, Carney is joining European leaders in pledging significant new investments in defense, particularly in response to Russia’s aggressive actions and a perceived withdrawal of the United States from traditional defense alliances. In June, Carney signed a security partnership with the European Union, marking a notable step toward joint procurement of military equipment among member nations.

After his visit to Kyiv, Carney plans to travel to Warsaw, Berlin, and Riga, Latvia, where he will engage with government officials and business leaders. His goal is to promote Canada’s expanding defense sector, including its critical minerals, nuclear, and aerospace industries, as the country seeks to enhance its role on the global stage amid ongoing geopolitical challenges.