Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has expressed support for a proposed energy ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, an initiative attributed to the efforts of U.S. President Donald Trump. The ceasefire aims to reduce attacks on energy infrastructure, a move Carney believes could help de-escalate the ongoing conflict and alleviate civilian suffering. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also welcomed the announcement, though he noted that Kyiv awaits further clarification from the White House.
Despite backing the ceasefire, Carney has voiced concerns over a newly announced agreement by Washington to purchase diesel from Russia. He argues that this deal could provide Moscow with additional revenue that might finance its military actions against Ukraine. Carney emphasized that this arrangement runs counter to the efforts by Canada, Ukraine, and their allies to establish peace and stability in Europe. The Canadian government has warned that the revenue from the diesel deal could bolster Russia’s military campaign, prompting Carney to affirm his support for stronger sanctions against Russia.
President Trump has defended the diesel agreement as a strategy to ease fuel-price pressures in the United States. However, the deal has sparked questions regarding its compatibility with existing restrictions on Russian energy imports, which were put in place following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. U.S. Republican Senator Thom Tillis has raised concerns about the agreement’s compliance with the law, while Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has stated the administration plans to proceed using its available legal authorities.
Meanwhile, Ukraine continues to report ongoing attacks on its energy infrastructure. President Zelenskyy has called on Russia to adhere to the proposed ceasefire, highlighting that Russian forces have conducted over 200 strikes on electricity and transmission facilities, along with 17 attacks on gas and oil facilities in the past week. In discussions with Carney, Zelenskyy emphasized the need to enhance air defense cooperation, especially against ballistic missiles, as Ukraine prepares for winter.
Zelenskyy also expressed appreciation for Canada’s involvement in developing the FREYJA anti-ballistic missile system in collaboration with European partners. This initiative aims to provide an alternative to the U.S.-made Patriot air defense system. Both leaders discussed the importance of closer coordination with European allies to address Ukraine’s military and air defense needs, with European Union leaders expected to discuss Ukraine’s security and military funding requirements at upcoming European Council meetings.