Carney to Travel to France to Discuss Ukraine Ceasefire With Allies

https://www.theepochtimes.com/world/carney-to-travel-to-france-to-discuss-ukraine-ceasefire-with-allies-5965350?ea_src=ca-frontpage&ea_med=carney-to-travel-to-france-to-discuss-ukraine-ceasefire-with-allies-0

Prime Minister Mark Carney will travel to France early next week to meet European allies for talks on a ceasefire in Ukraine.

Carney is scheduled to meet with fellow leaders of the “Coalition of the Willing” during his Jan. 5 to 6 visit to France. The aim of the meeting is to further combine efforts among the United States, Ukraine, European allies, and Canada to support Ukraine and outline a strategy for achieving a ceasefire as Russia’s invasion nears the four-year mark, according to a Jan. 2 statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

The Coalition of the Willing is a group of approximately 35 nations that have pledged or have already provided increased political, military, and security support to Ukraine in defending itself against Russia and asserting its sovereignty.

“Canada is working relentlessly with our allies to secure a just and lasting peace for Ukraine,” Carney said in a Jan. 2 statement. “We must deter and fortify – with robust security guarantees and by ensuring Ukraine can rebuild, recover, and create the foundations of true prosperity.”

Canada has been one of the biggest per capita financial contributors to Ukraine’s recovery. Ottawa has committed $23.5 billion in aid to Ukraine since 2022, including $12 billion in direct financial support. Canada announced $2.5 billion in financing and loan guarantees when Carney met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Halifax last weekend.

The PMO said that the Coalition of the Willing is also seeking the return of Ukrainian minors who have been “unlawfully deported” since the war with Russia began in 2022. Continue…