Zelenskyy announces new Canadian air defence support as Ukraine faces missile shortage

Canada has agreed to provide Ukraine with a major air defence package as Kyiv faces growing Russian attacks and a shortage of critical missile interceptors, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Thursday.

“This is a very important package of air defence. This is crucial,” Zelenskyy told reporters ahead of a meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney.

Zelenskyy did not provide details about the package but said Canada would also support Ukraine’s energy sector.

Kyiv is running critically low on US-made Patriot interceptors, which are capable of defending against Russian ballistic missiles as Moscow steps up its attacks.

Canada has committed more than $25.5 billion in overall assistance to Ukraine since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, including $8.5 billion in military aid.

Carney also promised further Canadian support to help Ukraine defend itself and backed Kyiv’s efforts to join NATO and the European Union.

“Ukrainians help build this province, this country. Canada will help rebuild Ukraine when peace comes,” Carney told reporters.

Zelenskyy said after arriving in Canada that strengthening Ukraine’s air defences and preparing the country for winter would be the main priorities of his visit.