EU, Canada agree on continued support for Ukraine

The press service of the EU Council reported this in a statement, according to Ukrinform.

"Today, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada, Anita Anand, and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the Commission, Kaja Kallas, met in Niagara for the fourth Canada-European Union (EU) Joint Ministerial Committee (JMC) to advance the Canada-EU relationship and review progress made since the 20th Canada-EU Summit of 23 June 2025," the statement said.

"Canada and the EU reaffirm their continued and unwavering support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders," the statement noted.

They continue to call on Russia to cease aggression against Ukraine, respect international humanitarian law, and pursue diplomacy and dialogue. "We reiterate that active diplomacy and a full and unconditional ceasefire are first key steps to engage in meaningful negotiations towards comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine, based on the principles of the UN Charter and international law," the statement added, emphasizing that there is no path to peace without Ukraine's participation.

The EU and Canada also expressed support for the diplomatic efforts of U.S. President Donald Trump.

It was stressed that Ukraine must have reliable and credible security guarantees to effectively defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and "Canada and the EU are playing an active role, including as part of the Coalition of the Willing."

The parties highlighted their ongoing cooperation with like-minded countries to ensure accountability for violations of international law in Ukraine and their continued support for efforts to establish a Special Tribunal to investigate the crime of aggression against Ukraine and an International Commission to examine claims regarding Ukraine within the Council of Europe.

"Russia must pay for the damage caused by its illegal actions to Ukraine and its people," the statement emphasized.

Canada and the EU co-chair the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children and remain committed to its work, reiterating their urgent call for Russia and Belarus to immediately ensure the safe return of all unlawfully deported and displaced Ukrainian children.

The parties "strongly condemn the support of the Belarusian regime and other enabling countries in the aggression against Ukraine."

They agreed to maintain strict sanctions against Russia and those supporting the war, noting that these measures will be strengthened. "Canada and the EU reaffirm their commitment to continue their work including at G7 level to impose severe costs on Russia through sanctions, export controls and other effective measures including further measures to counter and disrupt the Russian shadow fleet, which poses significant environmental and security risks," the statement read.

Canada and the EU will continue to develop a wide range of options to meet Ukraine's financial needs within the appropriate legal frameworks.

The Joint Ministerial Committee confirmed its readiness to contribute to Ukraine's post-war recovery and rehabilitation, including through the Ukraine Donor Platform, as well as its commitment to mitigating the impact of Russia's war on global food security and freedom of navigation.

The Joint Ministerial Committee also emphasized strengthening cooperation in security areas such as cyber and hybrid threats and welcomed efforts to implement joint initiatives in defense procurement and technology development. All military support to Ukraine will be provided with full respect for the security and defense policies of individual EU member states and taking into account the security and defense interests of all EU member states and Canada.

As reported earlier, Canada is hosting a meeting of G7 foreign ministers on November 11–12 to discuss defense spending, trade, and uncertainties regarding Trump's ceasefire plan in Gaza, as well as efforts to end the war between Russia and Ukraine.

Photo: dpa