Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held discussions with Prime Minister Mark Carney in Halifax before traveling to the U.S. to meet with President Donald Trump to address the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Carney expressed optimism for a sustainable peace under Zelenskyy’s leadership and announced an additional $2.5 billion in economic assistance for Ukraine. The aid package includes $1.6 billion in loan guarantees to international banks and financial support for the International Monetary Fund. Zelenskyy’s visit to Canada followed a phone call with Carney where they discussed diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict following Russia’s invasion in February 2022.

Zelenskyy is scheduled to present a 20-point peace plan to Trump at Mar-a-Lago in Florida, focusing on security assurances for Ukraine and economic agreements. The discussions may also touch on territorial disputes, particularly concerning the Donbas region. Despite Russia’s demands for territorial concessions, Zelenskyy proposed a demilitarized zone monitored by international forces as part of a potential peace agreement. The negotiations have made significant progress, with Zelenskyy mentioning that a U.S.-Ukraine accord is close to completion, although resolving territorial issues remains challenging.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed ongoing dialogue between Russian and U.S. representatives following discussions in Florida. The focus remains on advancing negotiations to achieve a lasting peace in Ukraine.