Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s visit to Canada advances the interests of both countries

Prime Minister Mark Carney, right, and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, president of Ukraine, meet in Calgary, Alta., on Sept. 10, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s visit to Canada advances the interests of both countries Published: September 11, 2026 12.52pm EDT Share article Print article On Sept. 9, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Calgary with the aim of reinforcing the partnership between Ukraine and Canada. The visit comes at an important moment for Ukraine. This year, Ukraine has done considerable damage to Russia’s industry and war machine. Ukraine’s position on the frontlines is the best it has been since 2023, with Ukrainian forces no longer yielding territory and actually regaining limited ground. Yet Ukraine’s diplomatic position has deteriorated. Donald Trump’s assumption of the American presidency and his antagonistic relationship with Zelenskyy have weakened Ukraine’s international position. As a result, Ukraine’s relationships with other allies become all the more important. The initial results of Zelenskyy’s trip underscored the strength of the Canada-Ukraine relationship. Zelenskyy and Prime Minister Mark Carney agreed to a 100-year pact to co-operate on security and economic matters, while the two countries also agreed to share drone technology. It is important to note, however, that this co-operation is not a one-directional relationship. Canada and Ukraine deepening their bonds serves both countries’ interests in an increasingly unstable world. The need for co-operation The logic behind this relationship can be found in Carney’s Davos speech in 2025, in which he argued that, for middle powers to survive, they need to increase their co-operation. While many Canadians saw this as a response to Trump’s second term, there was already a glaring example of the need for co-operation among the world’s middle powers. Russia’s direct assault against Ukraine in 2022, after nearly a decade of hybrid war efforts, symbolized a shift in international affairs. Great Powers, or those with aspirations to such status, were taking increased liberties with other countries. Prime Minister Mark Carney, right, and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, president of Ukraine, sign agreements in Calgary on Sept. 10, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh To Canada’s credit, it has been one of the foremost supporters of Ukraine. Even before the direct invasion in 2022, Canadian soldiers helped train Ukrainian soldiers and officers.…