Canada Commits $5 Billion in Seized Russian Assets to Ukraine on War Anniversary

Canada Commits $5 Billion in Seized Russian Assets to Ukraine on War Anniversary

Kyiv, Ukraine — Canada will provide $5 billion in aid to Ukraine using funds from seized Russian assets, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Monday at a peace and security summit in Kyiv.

Trudeau joined a dozen world leaders in the Ukrainian capital to mark the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion. Support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and its efforts to end the war on its own terms remained strong among attendees.

“This is not a conflict Ukraine wanted, provoked, or asked for in any way,” Trudeau said at the summit. “This is a war started for one reason and one reason only: Russia’s desire to erase Ukrainian history and expand its empire.”

Additional Military and Energy Support

Alongside the financial pledge, Canada will provide 25 additional light armored vehicles and a grant to bolster Ukraine’s energy security as Russian forces continue targeting the country’s power grid.

Trudeau also announced that Canada will send two armored combat-support vehicles for Ukrainian troops, who will undergo training in Germany to operate the equipment. Additionally, Canada will supply four F-16 flight simulators, complementing fighter jet systems recently delivered to Ukraine.

NATO Membership and Peace Negotiations

While Trudeau’s remarks did not directly address Ukraine’s potential NATO membership—a key issue at the summit—he emphasized that Kyiv must play a central role in any negotiations to end the war. His comments come as European leaders express frustration over reports of Washington engaging in talks with Moscow without Ukrainian participation.

“We cannot return to an era where might makes right,” Trudeau said. “We must do everything in our power to enable Ukraine to secure a just and lasting peace—one that cannot be achieved without Ukrainians at the table.”

Seizing Russian Assets for Ukraine

The $5 billion aid package represents the first installment of revenues from frozen Russian assets, marking a significant step after years of Canadian promises to seize and repurpose holdings linked to the Russian government and its oligarchs.

Canada has also been urging European allies to forfeit Russian funds held in frozen European accounts or, at the very least, use the accrued interest to support Ukraine.

Trudeau’s Final Visit as Prime Minister

This marks Trudeau’s fourth visit to Ukraine since 2022 and likely his last, as he is set to be replaced when his Liberal Party selects a new leader next month. Upon his arrival, he received a handshake and a brief hug from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Zelenskyy, speaking at a news conference Sunday, said he was eager for an update from Trudeau on the G7’s stance toward the U.S. under President Donald Trump. Canada currently holds the G7 presidency.

Despite the high-profile nature of the summit, security in Kyiv remained tight, with heavy police presence near the venue and strict identification checks. An air-defense siren sounded in the background as leaders delivered their statements, underscoring the ongoing threats Ukraine faces.

Trudeau reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to training Ukrainian troops and supporting the country’s long-term security.

“Once a just peace is secured, Canada stands ready to work with our partners around the world to provide Ukraine with the security it needs to recover, rebuild, and prosper,” he said.

“We can’t wait. The moment to stop this war of aggression, to defend democracy, to stand for our shared values—is now. So let us seize it.”