During a meeting with Canada's Special Representative for Reconstruction of Ukraine Chrystia Freeland, Ruslan Stefanchuk, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, discussed key areas of Ukrainian-Canadian partnership. The parties focused on defence support, the return of Ukrainian children, post-war reconstruction and economic development.
Ruslan Stefanchuk emphasised that Canada remains a steadfast and reliable ally of Ukraine. He expressed gratitude for Canada's consistent military, economic and political support, as well as for the House of Commons' decision to defend Ukraine. He also highlighted Canada's participation in NATO's new PURL mechanism and its $500 million contribution, which is already strengthening Ukraine's defence capabilities on the battlefield.
An important emphasis during the meeting was placed on the reconstruction of Ukraine. Ruslan Stefanchuk invited Canadian businesses to become more actively involved in reconstruction projects — from energy and infrastructure to the defence industry. He thanked Chrystia Freeland for her clear position that Ukraine's economic development and prosperity are the foundation for a just and lasting peace.
The parties also discussed Canada's co-chairmanship of the International Coalition for the Return of Abducted Ukrainian Children. The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada emphasised that this is a common struggle and that Ukraine and Canada will continue to work together to return every child and bring those responsible to justice.
They focused separately on sanctions and mechanisms for confiscating russian assets. Ruslan Stefanchuk highly praised the new Canadian sanctions package and Canada's leadership in advocating the use of proceeds from frozen russian funds for the benefit of Ukraine.
«Canada continues to stand with Ukraine, and joint decisions — from defence support to economic development — strengthen the resilience of our state and the security of the entire democratic world,» emphasised the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.