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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to meet with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in Halifax. This meeting precedes Zelenskyy’s visit to the United States, where he will discuss peace initiatives regarding the ongoing war with Russia.
The meeting follows a phone call between Zelenskyy and Carney, which took place on Friday. The Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that the meeting is planned for around 1 p.m. Atlantic Time.
Discussion of diplomatic efforts
During the meeting, Zelenskyy plans to update Carney on Ukraine’s diplomatic negotiations with the United States, aimed at ending the conflict with Russia. He will present a comprehensive 20-point peace plan during his discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump, likely at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida.
Zelenskyy expressed optimism about the potential outcomes of these discussions, stating, “In the coming days, significant progress can be made both in the bilateral relationship between Ukraine and the United States, as well as with our partners in the Coalition of the Willing, which includes Canada and 34 other supportive nations.”
Strengthening Ukraine’s defensive capabilities
Zelenskyy emphasized the need for Ukraine’s allies to work together to enhance its defensive capabilities. He highlighted the urgency of strengthening Ukraine’s ability to protect its citizens and improve the effectiveness of ongoing negotiations. “Currently, it is Russia that is stalling and attempting to waste valuable time,” he asserted.
The Prime Minister’s Office commended Zelenskyy for his commitment to securing a just and lasting peace for Ukraine. Carney acknowledged the resilience of the Ukrainian population enduring another winter amid Russian hostilities and reiterated Canada’s support for Ukraine throughout these negotiation efforts.
Upcoming negotiations with the U.S.
Zelenskyy, addressing reporters in Kyiv, indicated that discussions with Trump will cover vital topics such as security guarantees for Ukraine. He mentioned the potential for an economic agreement, although he could not confirm if any agreements would be finalized during this initial meeting.
Additionally, Zelenskyy noted that territorial issues would be a focal point of the discussions. The Kremlin has insisted that Ukraine cede the territories it holds in the Donbas region, a demand Ukraine has categorically rejected. Russia has secured control over most of Luhansk and approximately 70% of Donetsk, the two regions that comprise the Donbas.
Potential for a demilitarized zone
Earlier this week, Zelenskyy expressed willingness to withdraw troops from Ukraine’s eastern industrial heartland as part of a peace plan, contingent upon Russia reciprocating and establishing the region as a demilitarized zone under international supervision. He stated that the prospective agreement with the U.S. is “90 percent ready,” while acknowledging that territorial disputes remain a significant hurdle in the ongoing peace negotiations.
“Our objective is to achieve a complete resolution, aiming for 100 percent,” he remarked. “However, this is a challenging task.”
The meeting follows a phone call between Zelenskyy and Carney, which took place on Friday. The Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that the meeting is planned for around 1 p.m. Atlantic Time.0
The meeting follows a phone call between Zelenskyy and Carney, which took place on Friday. The Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that the meeting is planned for around 1 p.m. Atlantic Time.1