Carney pledges billions for Ukraine, adds sanctions condemning Russian 'barbarism'

Yahoo

4 hours ago

Prime Minister Mark Carney announced billions in support for Ukraine and tougher sanctions against Russia Tuesday as he condemned Russia's "barbarism" following its deadliest attack this year on Kyiv.
Standing next to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, ahead of a sideline meeting on the final day of the G7 summit in Alberta, Carney said the package would fund helicopters, drones and ammunition. His office said money is going toward armoured vehicles as well.
Canada is also lending the war-torn country $2.3-billion to to help rebuild its infrastructure and public systems. The Prime Minister's Office said the loan will be repaid by interest charged on Russian assets frozen in Europe.
Canada is also promising a suite of sanctions targeting Russian individuals, entities contributing to the evasion of sanctions and 200 vessels, part of what is often called Russia's "shadow fleet." The aging tankers are used to evade oil price cap sanctions.
The funding follows a deadly night in Ukraine's capital during which a barrage of Russian missile and drone strikes hit Kyiv, killing at least a dozen people and injuring more than 100.
"I would like to start with condemning in the strongest terms the latest outrage, barbarism from Russia," Carney said. "This underscores the importance of standing in total solidarity with Ukraine, with the Ukrainian people."
Zelenskyy offered condolences to the families of the victims as he thanked Carney for the support.
"It's a big tragedy for us and we need support from our allies," he said.
"We are ready for the peace negotiations, unconditional ceasefire. I think it's very important, but for this we need pressure."
The wartime leader is joining the remaining G7 leaders Tuesday, looking for a way to end Russia's bloody invasion.
Zelenskyy had hoped to meet one-on-one with U.S. President Donald Trump to push for harsher sanctions against Russia, but the remaining six leaders at the G7 are forging ahead after he left the summit Monday night.
Trump touched down in Kananaskis Sunday night and was expected to remain until Tuesday for meetings with other global leaders. But the president left after Monday's family dinner to deal with the escalating war between Israel and Iran.
"I have to be back early. I loved it. I tell you, I loved it. And I think we got a lot done," Trump told reporters.
"We had just a really great relationship with everybody. It was really nice. I wish I could stay for tomorrow, but they understand — this is big stuff."
Trump's departure means he missed time with the non-G7 leaders attending the summit, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.
The summit has pivoted to address the Middle East crisis, which continues to escalate as Israel pushes to end Iran's nuclear program.
Speaking to reporters from Air Force One after leaving Canada, Trump said he was looking for a "real end, not a ceasefire," predicting that Israel would not be easing its attacks on Iran.
"Remember, Iran cannot have a nuclear weapons program," he said.Carney, chair of this year's summit in Alberta, said he "fully understands" why Trump made an early exit and is "grateful for the president's presence."
The G7 leaders released a joint statement late Monday night, calling for a "de-escalation" of hostilities in the Middle East.
The joint statement from the group — made up of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the U.K. and the U.S. along with the European Union — affirms Israel's right to defend itself and recognizes Iran as "the principal source of regional instability and terror" but also calls for some sort of "resolution."
"We urge that the resolution of the Iranian crisis leads to a broader de-escalation of hostilities in the Middle East, including a ceasefire in Gaza," read the statement, made public after Monday's working dinner.
Trump's departure is likely a letdown for the leaders who travelled for the second day of meetings in Kananaskis and hoped to bend Trump's ear.
Sheinbaum made it clear she was making the trip in hopes of meeting with the president to talk tariffs.
Zelenskyy has been seeking Trump's support in securing a peace deal with Russia.
WATCH | Trump on decision to leave G7 early:
Carney's first meeting was with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, whom Carney called "one of the most experienced leaders in the world." In front of the cameras, Rutte heaped praise on the federal government for recently promising to meet NATO's military spending guideline by early next year.
The two will soon see each other again at next week's NATO summit.
Carney is expected to meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he tests renewing ties with the global economic power. The controversial meeting comes just months after the RCMP accused Indian agents of orchestrating a campaign of violence on Canadian soil, including acts of murder, extortion and coercion.
Nearly two years ago, then prime minister Justin Trudeau announced Canada had evidence linking Indian agents to the Hardeep Singh Nijjar killing.
Other invitees at the table Tuesday include Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa (this year's G20 chair), South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, United Arab Emirates President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and World Bank President Ajay Banga.