Ukraine and Canada lay foundation for drone deal and agree on energy assistance
Ukraine and Canada signed a Declaration on a Centennial Partnership that provides for deepening cooperation in defense, economy, and reconstruction. Separate agreements concern joint defense projects, a future drone deal, supplies of Canadian liquefied gas, and support for Ukrainian energy.
The documents were signed on September 10 in Calgary by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney. In addition to the Declaration on a Centennial Partnership, the leaders signed a Joint Declaration on Defense and Security Cooperation, and representatives of the governments of the two countries signed a statement on energy partnership.
The Declaration on a Centennial Partnership provides for strengthening cooperation in defense, innovation, economic growth, and reconstruction. Among other things, Canada announced its intention to work towards including Ukraine in the list of countries whose citizens can use the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), which should simplify travel for Ukrainians to Canada.
The defense declaration is intended to be the first step towards a future Drone Deal between the countries. The parties plan to develop cooperation in the field of unmanned systems, defense industry, cybersecurity, and technology, exchange experience and technological capabilities.
The document also provides for joint defense projects and localization of production both in Ukraine and Canada. Detailed terms of the future drone agreement have not been made public at this time.
Canada to support gas procurement for Ukraine
A separate statement on energy cooperation was signed by First Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Energy of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal and Minister of Energy and Natural Resources of Canada Tim Hodgson.
Canada will provide credit guarantees to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development in the amount of up to CAD 757 million to support Ukraine's energy security. The funds may, in particular, be used for emergency procurement of natural gas and creation of strategic fuel reserves before the 2026/2027 heating season.
The countries also agreed to develop dialogue with the Canadian private sector regarding long-term contracts for LNG supplies from Canada to Ukraine. Cooperation will cover gas transportation, storage, and regulatory issues. Separately, the parties noted significant Ukrainian underground gas storage capacities and their role in regional energy resilience.
Export Development Canada will allocate another CAD 200 million within the framework of preferential trade financing for priority projects in Ukraine. Among the areas that Canada plans to support are hydropower infrastructure and restoration of damaged energy facilities.
In addition, Ottawa will contribute another CAD 10 million to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund. This will bring Canada's total contribution to the fund to CAD 100 million.
Cooperation to cover uranium and new nuclear technologies
Ukraine and Canada agreed to deepen cooperation in nuclear energy as well. This includes modernization of Ukrainian uranium mining and processing facilities, radioactive waste management, nuclear safety, and development of advanced reactor technologies, including small modular reactors.
The joint statement separately mentions the partnership between Energoatom and Canada's Cameco, which provides for long-term supply of uranium and conversion services until 2035.
Other areas of cooperation include renewable and hydropower, modernization of power grids, energy storage systems, restoration of damaged infrastructure, and engagement of Canadian companies in Ukraine's energy sector.
Source: Office of the President of Ukraine, Government of Canada
