Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday called the unfolding tensions between Canada and the United States a “strange” spectacle, likening it to his country’s struggle with neighboring Russia.
In a wide-ranging interview with CBC News, Zelensky called American threats to annex Canada “dangerous” and said both countries have an obligation to resolve their differences.
“It’s strange,” the president told CBC News chief correspondent Adrienne Arsenault, referring to tensions in North America.
“It’s very dangerous [when] there are some problems between the neighbors and us [Ukraine and Russia] are an example.”
Russia and Ukraine, like Canada and the United States, are neighbors with a long border and history, although their current tensions are vastly different: Moscow’s four-and-a-half-year invasion of Ukraine is a deadly war, while the problems in Ottawa and Washington are largely economic.
“I think the United States and Canada will have to have … a very constructive dialogue. They must lead it. It’s dangerous. [There’s] there is no choice,” he said.
Zelensky’s remarks came at the end of a visit to Canada that focused on Ukrainian air defense and winter preparations as the war with Russia enters its fourth year.
He spoke about Ukraine’s new strategic partnership with Canada, efforts to restart peace talks with Moscow and his views on any potential face-to-face meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
100-year partnership with Canada
Canada and Ukraine signed a long-term strategic and political partnership Thursday that lays the groundwork for the creation of millions of drones to protect both countries. The declaration established a 100-year partnership that covers defense and security, trade and investment, and energy and critical minerals.
On Friday, Zelensky said the length of the agreement with Canada, one of Ukraine’s strongest supporters in the war, was chosen as a symbolic gesture.
“It’s about roots,” he said. “It says we will be together for a long time. Our children and our grandchildren, we will work together. We will share our security experience. [and] a lot of different things.”
Zelensky’s visit to Canada comes not only as relations between Canada and the United States have reached another low, but also as the Trump administration renews efforts to end Russia’s war in Ukraine.
After US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner discussed potential proposals to end the war during visits to Moscow and Kyiv, Trump said the Russian leader wanted a deal.
But on Friday Zelensky expressed doubts about the Kremlin’s interest in ending the war. He said he believed Russia retained its goal of occupying Ukraine, but said he would meet face-to-face with Putin if three-way talks succeed, although he said he did not expect any action until after Russian parliamentary elections on Sept. 20.
“This is not my desire… It’s better to sit with my family,” he said about a possible meeting with the Russian president. He called Putin “the enemy” but said meeting the enemy “could bring us closer” to peace.
Diplomatic efforts to end the war stalled for months while both countries stepped up attacks on each other. Moscow continued its bombing of Ukrainian cities, while Kyiv stepped up attacks inside Russia, seeking to reduce its economic ability to continue the war.
“To be honest, there is no win-win in this war. This can’t be because [there’s been] so many human losses. This ceased to be a win-win situation on the very first day of this war between us,” Zelensky said.
“The most important victory for everyone, not for Ukraine and Russia… For the whole world is peace. Stop this war. And this is a victory for human lives.”
Zelensky’s visit to Canada focused on Ukrainian air defense and winter preparations as the war with Russia enters its fourth year. (Mark Bochsler/CBC)