Editor's note: This article was updated to include official information from the Canadian government.
Canada has announced a new military assistance package worth nearly $900 million for Ukraine, including ammunition, armored vehicles, and military equipment, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the package also includes support to strengthen the country's air defenses.
The announcement comes as Ukraine continues urging partners to accelerate military support after a series of massive Russian missile and drone attacks that have exposed critical shortages in air defense interceptors.
Strengthening Ukraine’s air defenses remains the priority
The announcement came during a meeting between Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara.
According to the Canadian government, the assistance includes $475 million for ammunition, nearly $400 million to build 35 Canadian-made armored vehicles, and $50 million for critical technology and engineering equipment as part of Canada's $2.8 billion military support commitment for 2026.
Speaking after the meeting, Zelenskyy said strengthening Ukraine's air defenses remains Kyiv's immediate priority.
"We are primarily focused on ensuring there is more air defense. Protecting lives is the main thing, and Russia's ballistic missiles, other missiles, and drones are terror that must be overcome together with our partners," he said.
Zelenskyy said after the meeting that part of Canada's package intended to strengthen Ukraine's air defenses is already on its way to Ukraine. Canada's official announcement did not specify air defense equipment among the package's announced components.
Air defense remains a priority
The announcement comes as Ukraine urgently seeks additional air defense systems and interceptor missiles following a series of massive Russian aerial attacks involving hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles, including ballistic missiles.
Zelenskyy said part of Canada's assistance intended to strengthen Ukraine's air defenses is already on its way to the country.
"This is medium-term assistance. By medium term, I mean over the next few months. It includes military equipment, ammunition, and other support, in addition to this vital air defense assistance," Carney said, according to a statement from the Ukrainian President’s Office.
Canada backs Ukraine's recovery and energy security
According to Novyny.LIVE, Carney also said Canada will continue supporting Ukraine's energy sector ahead of the coming winter, assist reconstruction efforts, and back Ukraine's integration into the European and global economy.
Zelenskyy added that the two sides also discussed joint energy projects involving Ukraine's state-owned oil and gas company Naftogaz.
Drone agreement under discussion
Zelenskyy said Ukraine and Canada are also preparing a bilateral Drone Deal, describing it as an agreement that goes beyond drone production.
"It is not only about drones, but about a new and effective security system, with capabilities proven in this war. It will certainly be useful," he said.
The Ukrainian president added that he and Carney discussed the current diplomatic situation and exchanged ideas on how to bring peace closer by creating what he described as a "real interest" within Russia in negotiations.
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