Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney made an unannounced visit to Kyiv on Ukraine’s 34th Independence Day, detailing a C$2 billion (≈US$1.5 billion) military-aid package that includes drones, armoured vehicles and ammunition, with the first shipments expected within three weeks. Ottawa also pledged a further $31 million for humanitarian relief and reconstruction, lifting Canada’s total financial assistance to about C$22 billion since Russia’s full-scale invasion began three-and-a-half years ago. Speaking alongside President Volodymyr Zelensky, Carney said Canada “would not exclude the presence of troops” as part of a multinational security-guarantee framework once a cease-fire is reached, arguing that Ukrainian forces alone cannot ensure lasting stability. Zelensky welcomed the stance, calling foreign “boots on the ground” important and saying work on the guarantees should be completed within days. The Independence Day ceremony was attended by U.S. special envoy Keith Kellogg—who received Ukraine’s Order of Merit, First Class—and several European defence ministers. In separate messages, U.S. President Donald Trump, King Charles and other leaders lauded Ukraine’s “unbreakable spirit,” with Trump reiterating support for a negotiated settlement that safeguards the country’s sovereignty. In his address to the nation, Zelensky vowed never to accept territorial concessions and said Ukraine would fight until a “just peace” is achieved. The wartime backdrop remained stark: Ukraine’s air force reported shooting down most of 72 Russian drones and a missile launched overnight, underscoring the urgency of the evolving security talks.