Zelensky and Trudeau sign security cooperation agreement in Kyiv

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky met with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who is visiting Ukraine.

The Office of the President reported this.

"Thank you for being with us in Ukraine on this day. We are grateful for all your support during these two years – it is essential and very powerful," said the head of the Ukrainian state.

During the meeting, the leaders signed the Agreement on Security Cooperation between Ukraine and Canada.

Volodymyr Zelensky highly praised the document's signing, noting that it lays a reliable foundation for a long-term and deepened partnership between the states.

"This is a powerful and timely decision that is an important contribution to strengthening our resilience," he said.

The agreement establishes a Canada-Ukraine strategic security partnership that identifies areas for enhanced bilateral cooperation in various areas, including defense, stability, and resilience.

The document envisages the allocation of more than 3 billion Canadian dollars in macro-financial and defense assistance to Ukraine by Canada in 2024.

In addition, the document confirms Canada's support for Ukraine's future membership in NATO, particularly by promoting Ukrainian reforms and the compatibility of Ukraine's Security and Defense Forces with the Alliance.

The agreement establishes a mechanism for a 24-hour emergency response in case of repeated military aggression against Ukraine. Also, it assists the country in strengthening its own capabilities to respond appropriately to a possible escalation of aggression by the Russian Federation.

The document is valid for ten years from the date of its signing. It allows for partner revision in the event of Ukraine's accession to NATO before the end of its validity period.

During the meeting, Volodymyr Zelensky and Justin Trudeau also discussed the provision of new air defense systems, the production, and transfer within the framework of the multi-year aid program to Ukraine of armored vehicles necessary for the protection of Ukrainian soldiers and their medical evacuation.

The President thanked Canada for its contribution to providing the Ukrainian Defense Forces with drones, armored vehicles, and ammunition and for assistance in building infrastructure for the F-16.

^{Photo: Office of the President}

The interlocutors also discussed preparations for the July NATO summit in Washington, bilateral projects in the energy field, particularly nuclear, and the participation of Canada and Canadian businesses in the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine.

Canada's special role in the creation and coordination of the International Coalition of Countries for the Return of Ukrainian Children illegally taken away by the aggressor was noted.

The President noted the importance of Canada's decision today to allocate funding for completing the Holodomor Genocide Museum in Ukraine and thanked the Canadian government and the Ukrainian community for their support.