On February 24, 2026, the Canadian government released a joint statement marking four years since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The document was published on behalf of Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand, National Defense Minister David J. McGuinty, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Minister Lena Metlege Diab, and Secretary of State for International Development Randeep Sarai.
In the statement, the Canadian side emphasized that for four years, Ukrainians have been defending their sovereignty, territorial integrity, and identity in the midst of a full-scale war, and that the humanitarian cost of this struggle remains extremely high. The Canadian government also highlighted Russia's attacks on energy infrastructure and the civilian population in winter, noting that the consequences of such attacks could qualify as war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Canada reaffirmed its long-term support for Ukraine
In a joint statement, Ottawa emphasized that it has supported Ukraine since its independence in 1991, stepping up its assistance after Russia's aggression in 2014 and after the full-scale invasion in 2022. Since 2022, Canada has committed more than C$25.5 billion in financial, military, humanitarian, and immigration assistance, as well as support for recovery, reconstruction, security, and stabilization, according to the government.
Of this amount, more than CAD 12 billion is for financial support and CAD 8.5 billion is for military assistance, including armored vehicles, air defense systems, unmanned aerial vehicles, and ammunition.
Operation UNIFIER, sanctions, and international coalitions
Separately, the Canadian government highlighted the contribution of Operation UNIFIER: according to official data, Canada has trained 47,000 members of the Ukrainian Security Forces, 13,000 of whom since 2022.
The statement also provides data on sanctions policy: since 2014, Canada has imposed restrictions on more than 3,300 individuals involved in violations of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity and gross human rights violations. In addition, Ottawa announced measures against Russia's “shadow fleet,” including sanctions against more than 500 vessels.
Canada also announced continued cooperation with international partners in military, humanitarian, and diplomatic formats. The document mentions the Coalition of the Willing, the NATO-Ukraine Council, and the Ukraine Defense Contact Group. Canada also emphasized its co-chairmanship of the Kyiv Working Group on the Humanitarian Dimension and the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children.
About Ukrainians in Canada and immigration measures
The Canadian government specifically noted that Ukrainians seeking refuge from the war have found temporary shelter in Canada and are making a significant contribution to communities across the country. The statement mentions that a number of immigration measures, including the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET), have enabled Ukrainians to find safety, work, and study in Canada as temporary residents.
Position on peace and security guarantees
In the concluding part of the statement, Canada reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the achievement of a lasting peaceful settlement with an emphasis on the well-being of Ukrainians and reliable, effective security guarantees after a possible ceasefire. Ottawa also assured that it would remain committed to supporting Ukraine both now and in the post-war recovery and reconstruction process.
Key message of the statement: Canada reaffirms its unwavering political, military, humanitarian, and immigration support for Ukraine as it marks the fourth anniversary of full-scale war.