Canada and Ukraine become partners for 100 years: Millions of drones to be sent to Kyiv

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney signed a "100-Year Partnership Declaration." The document aims to elevate relations between the two countries to the level of a "comprehensive strategic partnership." This was reported by the press service of the Canadian government.

Zelenskyy visited Canada upon an official invitation. The politicians signed the declaration in the city of Calgary. According to the agreement, Canada will continue to meet Ukraine's "urgent military needs." The parties agreed to extend Canada's UNIFIER mission, aimed at training Ukrainian military personnel, until 2029.

Carney announced the allocation of 350 million Canadian dollars (approximately 254 million US dollars) to strengthen Ukraine's air defense. These funds will be used to purchase missiles for defense systems. They will be delivered through the US Jump Start mechanism. This mechanism involves ordering weapons from the US for delivery to Ukraine.

Ottawa will also provide loan guarantees to finance gas purchases for Ukraine worth more than 430 million Canadian dollars (approximately 310 million US dollars).

The Canadian Prime Minister also addressed the issue of drones. He stated that the country will launch a "national drone market." This will allow the Canadian Armed Forces to work with nearly 400 suppliers. The country will expand drone production by utilizing Ukraine's experience.

Over the next two years, Canada will produce millions of drones and send a third of them to Ukraine. Currently, the Canadian army has only about 2,000 drones of all types.

Zelenskyy stated that Canada and Ukraine have signed only the first part of the agreement, called the Drone Deal. According to him, the final approval of the agreement could take place within the framework of the UN General Assembly, which begins in New York at the end of September.