Mark Carney, Canada’s Prime Minister, has extended an invitation to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for the G7 summit set to take place in June in the western province of Alberta, according to a government official.
Having assumed office last week, Mr. Carney spoke with the Ukrainian leader over the weekend. The official confirmed, “President Zelensky has been invited to the G7 meeting in Alberta in June.”
This invitation comes amidst a tentative stance among the Group of Seven influential democracies regarding the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, particularly since US President Donald Trump has returned to office.
Before the G7 foreign ministers’ gathering in Quebec last week, the Trump administration had avoided language that would support Ukraine’s battle for its “territorial integrity” or acknowledge Russian “aggression.”
Mr. Carney, who is currently visiting Paris and London, shared on social media yesterday that during their call, Mr. Zelensky provided an update “on Ukraine’s defense and efforts to promote global peace.”
“Canada firmly stands with Ukraine in its struggle for freedom against Russian aggression,” he stated.
President Zelensky described his conversation with Carney on social media as “good and substantive.”
He expressed gratitude towards Canada for its assistance, particularly regarding defense packages and support for the energy sector, commending Carney for making “the right points on the need to intensify pressure on Moscow.”
This year, Canada, holding the G7 presidency, will host the summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, from June 15-17.
Mr. Trump is expected to discuss his Ukraine ceasefire proposal in a call scheduled for tomorrow with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
