Canada has offered cautious support for emerging diplomatic efforts to end Russia's war in Ukraine, with Defence Minister David McGuinty stating the country would back any negotiated outcome that brings the conflict to a close.
Tentative Canadian Backing for Peace Process
The comments came during the Halifax International Security Forum on Friday, where Minister McGuinty addressed reporters about potential peace initiatives. "We have to talk to each other, and we're supportive of productive dialogue that might lead to a negotiated outcome that might end the war," McGuinty stated, acknowledging the devastating human cost of the ongoing conflict.
The minister highlighted the staggering daily casualties, noting that approximately a thousand Russians and hundreds of Ukrainians are dying every day in the fighting. While not directly involved in the negotiations, McGuinty expressed Canada's position clearly: "If U.S. efforts lead to a negotiated outcome that ends the war, we're supportive."
White House Proposal and Canadian Conditions
The peace framework under discussion, reportedly drafted by the White House without Ukrainian or European involvement, includes several contentious provisions. According to sources, the proposal would require Ukraine to surrender territory and accept limitations on its military capabilities.
The draft agreement would specifically prohibit Ukraine from joining NATO, cap the size of the nation's military, and bar the presence of NATO troops within the country. General Jennie Carignan, chief of Canada's defence staff, described these terms as "starting points for negotiation" rather than final conditions.
Carignan emphasized that "it has to be an acceptable deal, for sure" while expressing hope that any agreement would provide stability and allow for reconstruction. "The Ukrainians absolutely need that," she added, noting the urgent requirement to rebuild Ukrainian forces and institutions regardless of the negotiation outcome.
European Preparedness and Canadian Military Spending
Meanwhile, Minister McGuinty pointed to Europe's defensive preparations against potential Russian aggression, noting the continent is "preparing to defend against potential incursions or malfeasance from Russia."
The defence minister also highlighted Canada's own military modernization, revealing that as the country boosts its military budget to 3.5 percent of gross domestic product, the armed forces will achieve "a level of preparedness, of sophistication, of arming, which will be much more powerful than it has been in years gone by."
General Carignan confirmed that the Canadian Forces is "developing various military options for the government to consider" and working with international partners to coordinate potential responses to the evolving situation in Ukraine.
