Canada ‘ready and able’ to join Ukraine peacekeeping force, defence minister says
Canada is ready to join a “coalition of the willing” peacekeeping force alongside Britain and France in Ukraine, Defense Minister Bill Blair announced during the Conference of Defence Associations Institute annual forum in Ottawa. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had previously stated that Canada was exploring ways to assist in Ukraine, with all options being considered.
Blair’s comments indicated that active discussions were already underway regarding Canada’s potential contribution to the peacekeeping force. He emphasized the importance of ensuring security guarantees for Ukraine and the foreign forces involved in the mission.
The initiative for the peacekeeping force was spearheaded by U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer following a public fallout between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The force, led by the U.K. and France, aims to deploy European troops in eastern Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire or peace agreement to deter Russian aggression.
However, the success of the peacekeeping force hinges on security guarantees, particularly from the United States. A previous mineral resource deal between the U.S. and Ukraine lacked such assurances, contributing to tensions between the two nations. Starmer is working with France and Ukraine to develop a peace deal that could be presented to Washington for approval.
Despite these efforts, U.S. Vice-President JD Vance dismissed the idea of deploying troops to Ukraine, suggesting that economic investments were a more effective security measure. His remarks sparked controversy and backlash from the U.K. and U.S. Democrats, highlighting the history of cooperation between Western allies in previous conflicts.
The proposed “coalition of the willing” approach would enable NATO members like Canada, Britain, and France to collaborate outside of the alliance’s framework. This strategy would circumvent political challenges within NATO, where some member states have taken pro-Russian stances.
Russia has thus far rejected the concept of a peacekeeping force, whether under NATO, the European Union, or other entities. However, Baltic states like Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia, along with Finland, have shown interest in joining the coalition. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also expressed openness to contributing peacekeeping troops to Ukraine.
Overall, Canada’s willingness to participate in the peacekeeping effort reflects a commitment to supporting Ukraine and promoting stability in the region. With ongoing discussions and diplomatic efforts, the coalition of willing nations aims to address the security challenges in Ukraine and prevent further conflict.
