Zelenskyy celebrates Ukraine's Independence Day alongside Canadian PM

Photo by Sergei SUPINSKY / AFP

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy marked Independence Day on Sunday alongside Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who said Ukraine would receive more than C$1 billion ($723 million) in military aid from a previously announced package next month.

Three and a half years since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Zelenskyy is facing pressure from Washington to make concessions to Russia as US President Donald Trump seeks to broker a peace deal.

"We are all working to ensure that the end of this war would mean the guarantee of peace for Ukraine, so that neither war nor the threat of war are left for our children to inherit," Zelenskyy told a crowd of dignitaries in Kyiv's Sophia Square, against the backdrop of an 11th century cathedral.

As well as Carney, on his first visit to Ukraine since taking office in March, Trump's special envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, attended the ceremony. Zelenskyy presented Kellogg with a state honour.

"We need peace," Zelenskyy told Kellogg as he handed him the medal in a leather case.

Zelenskyy acknowledged the human cost of the war, but said that Ukrainians would fight to remain on their land.

Ukraine is now working with its European allies to draft potential frameworks for post-war security guarantees for Kyiv, which Trump has expressed openness to.

More from International

Coming Up on Dubai Eye

  • The Business Breakfast

    6:00am - 10:00am

    The Business Breakfast is the day’s must listen for the UAE’s business leaders, and those who aspire to be.

  • The Agenda

    10:00am - 1:00pm

    Broadcasting every weekday, Georgia Tolley goes beyond the headlines to speak to government ministers, decision makers, analysts and local experts to find out how the news will impact those of us living in the UAE.

BUSINESS BREAKFAST LATEST

On Dubai Eye

  • Is There Sufficient House Supply In UAE

    Dubai’s current population is more than double compared to almost twenty years ago, which now stands at 3.7 million. Lots of families are also moving to the UAE now. So what does it mean for the property market?

  • Noon's First Female Delivery Driver

    Glory Ehirim Nkiruka is Noon’s first ever female delivery driver. In her first ever interview, she explained why she loves her job, despite the heat!