Canada pledges new support for Ukraine's air defenses

Canada has announced a new $900 million support package for Ukraine, including assistance in air defense, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said following a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in Ankara, Report informs.

"We are grateful for support under the PURL program. Right now, perhaps our biggest shortage is air defense, and we have received a large package from Canada. We are very grateful for that," Zelenskyy said.

The Ukrainian leader said the support package was especially important at a time when Ukraine needs to strengthen its defenses against Russian missile attacks.

Carney said Canada's assistance is intended for the medium term and, in addition to air defense support, will include military equipment, ammunition supplies and other aid.

"This is assistance for the medium term. By medium term, I mean the next few months," the Canadian prime minister said.

He stressed that Canada would continue to strengthen Ukraine's air defense system and contribute to the PURL program.

During the meeting, Zelenskyy and Carney also discussed the creation of a Bank in the areas of defense, security and resilience.