Canada is training 21 Ukrainian pilots for combat aviation
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that 21 Ukrainian pilots are currently undergoing training in Canada. According to him, this will significantly strengthen Ukraine’s combat aviation capabilities, along with the pilots being trained by other countries.
During a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Zelenskyy also discussed new agreements in the energy sector and Canada’s preparations for sanctions against Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that 21 Ukrainian pilots are currently training in Canada. He made this remark on September 10 during a joint press conference with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. According to the president, the training of pilots in Canada is part of a broader program to train Ukrainian military personnel. At the same time, Ukrainian specialists are also being trained in other partner countries. “Here in Canada, the training of our pilots is underway. Twenty-one Ukrainians are undergoing training. And this will be a significant boost, along with other countries that are training our personnel in combat aviation at various stages,” Zelenskyy said.
The president did not specify which specific aircraft each of the pilots will fly in the future. At the same time, he emphasized that the training of military pilots is intended to strengthen Ukraine’s combat aviation.
Ukrainian pilots are being trained in several countries
Pilot training is part of international support for Ukraine. Various partner countries have joined in training Ukrainian military personnel so that they can operate modern combat aircraft in the future. This is particularly important for Ukraine amid ongoing Russian air attacks. Fighter aircraft are used to defend Ukrainian airspace, engage aerial targets, and support ground forces on the front lines.
Zelenskyy emphasized that the Canadian program is not the only training initiative. Ukrainian pilots are also undergoing training in other countries, and as a result, a growing number of trained crews are gradually being formed. The president has also previously emphasized the need to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense and combat aviation. During his current visit to Canada, defending Ukraine’s airspace and preparing the country for winter are among the main topics of discussion.
Zelenskyy Discussed New Agreements
In addition to pilot training, Zelenskyy announced agreements between Ukraine and Canada in the energy sector. According to the president, some of these agreements are intended to help Ukraine prepare for the coming winter. At the same time, he noted that this concerns not only the coming months but also long-term cooperation. “Here, today, confidential agreements were signed in the energy sector that will strengthen Ukraine ahead of this winter and in the longer term,” Zelenskyy stated.
The president did not disclose the details of these agreements. He only noted that they concern strengthening Ukraine in the energy sector. Energy is one of the key issues during Zelenskyy’s visit to Canada. The day before, the president stated that the main focus of the talks with Carney would be on defending Ukraine’s airspace, preparing for winter, and strengthening Ukraine’s resilience.
Canada Is Preparing New Sanctions Against Russia
Sanctions were another area of the agreements. Zelenskyy reported that Canada is preparing several new packages of restrictions against Russia. Ukraine wants to pay particular attention to sanctions that could hinder the production of Russian ballistic missiles. According to the president, Canada plans to prepare such a package in the fall. “Canada is preparing such an anti-ballistic sanctions package for the fall. I want to thank them for this. And we very much hope that the package will be expedited so that it can take effect as early as October,” Zelenskyy said.
He added that Ukraine is working on anti-ballistic sanctions not only with Canada. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ukrainian sanctions coordinators are holding talks with other countries. The goal of these restrictions is to cut off Russia’s access to components and technologies that can be used to manufacture missiles. Ukraine has repeatedly called on its partners to tighten controls on the supply of such goods to Russia.
Zelenskyy is on a visit to Canada
The President of Ukraine arrived in Canada with First Lady Olena Zelenska. Their visit will last from September 9 to 11. The itinerary includes meetings in Calgary, Toronto, and North Bay, as well as participation in events organized by the Canadian government. The main topics of discussion are defense, economic, and energy cooperation between the two countries.
Canada remains one of Ukraine’s key partners. During this visit, the parties are discussing, in particular, strengthening air defense, preparations for the winter season, and continued military support. For Ukraine, pilot training, new air defense systems, energy assistance, and sanctions pressure on Russia are all part of a single mission—to strengthen the country ahead of the new heating season and continue to counter Russian aggression.
Canada will allocate approximately 350 million Canadian dollars, or about $253 million, to purchase American air defense interceptor missiles for Ukraine. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced this on September 10 following a meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. It has not yet been disclosed exactly which missiles will be purchased or when they will arrive in Ukraine.
