Canada PM Mark Carney formally reasserted his government’s complete backing of Ukraine in his first face-to-face meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The two leaders arrived in Rome on Saturday, before Pope Leo XIV was inaugurated at the Vatican.
PM Mark Carney vowed that Canada would remain in “steadfast and unwavering” support of Ukraine and emphasized that peace cannot be achieved except through Kyiv’s participation. The meeting occurred just one day prior to a pivotal Vatican ritual that attracted world leaders, including those from Europe, the US, and the rest of the world.
Strong Vow from Canada’s New PM
PM Mark Carney, newly elected PM of Canada, made Ukraine a central issue during his first set of international engagements. Addressing Volodymyr Zelenskyy directly, he stated, “There can be no peace without the full support and participation of Ukraine.” He clearly established that Kyiv would enjoy the “absolute support” of Canada.
This unequivocal statement is indicative of an evident continuity in Canadian foreign policy regarding Ukraine, even with changing leadership.
Vatican Diplomacy Provides the Forum
The two leaders met in Rome, where they are both attending Sunday’s historic inaugural Mass of Pope Leo XIV. The great international occasion has proved to be a diplomatic forum for sideline summits among major world leaders.
The Pope’s inauguration drew a variety of leaders, offering a chance for intense geopolitical talks off the record and outside official summits.
US and G7 Framework Provide Cachet
US President Donald Trump has made plans to address both Russia and Ukraine’s presidents on Monday. His move follows the growing international attempts at influencing the way toward peace. In the meantime, PM Carney also took advantage of his time in Rome to hold meetings with Italian PM Giorgia Meloni, President Sergio Mattarella, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
These encounters are part of advance diplomatic efforts prior to the G7 summit, to be held in Canada this June. Strong words uttered by Carney in Rome indicate that Ukraine will be a priority on Canada’s global agenda. With this reaffirmation, Carney has made his inaugural grand foreign policy move—loudly and explicitly taking the side of Kyiv.
