OTTAWA, 11 September 2026 (Ghufran): Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited Canada seeking increased military and financial support for Ukraine as the country faces intensified Russian air attacks ahead of winter. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Canada plans to produce millions of drones over the next two years, with one-third of the drones to be sent to Ukraine to support its defense. Carney said newly announced contracts would increase Canada’s military drone fleet tenfold from its current level of around 2,000 drones. Canada also announced a package of air-defense interceptors worth 350 million Canadian dollars ($254 million), to be delivered to Ukraine through a U.S. mechanism, while Zelenskyy described the assistance as crucial amid a global shortage of air-defense systems. In addition, Canada will provide more than 430 million Canadian dollars ($312 million) in loan guarantees to help Ukraine secure natural gas supplies ahead of winter and contribute to the country’s Energy Security Fund. Zelenskyy said stronger drone cooperation would help Ukraine strengthen and finance its defense while providing Canada with access to technology developed through modern warfare. He stressed that Ukraine wanted to end the war through diplomacy but needed to strengthen its position before meaningful negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Zelenskyy also said Ukraine was preparing for further discussions with U.S. officials in New York later this month regarding a possible trilateral meeting. Carney reaffirmed Canada’s long-term commitment to Ukraine, saying Canada would support the country’s reconstruction after the war and focus on deterring future aggression. The visit comes as Russia and Ukraine’s aerial drone conflict continues to expand, with neighboring countries including Romania and Moldova reporting repeated drone incursions.