On Friday, January 26, representatives of the Canadian government met with their Ukrainian counterparts to negotiate bilateral long-term security commitments between Canada and Ukraine, the Canadian government's press service said.

"These discussions are a crucial step forward in developing Canada's long-term security commitment to Ukraine in line with the G7 Joint Declaration of Support for Ukraine, which was adopted during the NATO Summit in July 2023. Canada, along with its partners and allies, is committed to standing united with Ukraine and is unwavering in its support for the Ukrainian people as they fight Russian aggression, for as long as it takes," the government said.

It is noted that during last week's negotiations, Mykola Tochytsky, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, expressed appreciation for Canada's support and assistance in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Heidi Hulan, Assistant Deputy Minister for International Security and Political Director at Global Affairs Canada, emphasized Canada's steadfast readiness to stand with Ukraine to deter Russian aggression.

The parties discussed key priorities and thematic areas of cooperation, as well as future steps in the negotiating process.