EU, Canada Vow More Pressure on Russia as Ottawa Moves to Join €90 Billion Ukraine Defense Loan

The European Union and Canada pledged to intensify pressure on Russia and maintain long-term military, financial and diplomatic support for Ukraine, as Ottawa announced plans to join a €90 billion ($105 billion approximately) European loan program that would allow Kyiv to purchase Canadian-made military equipment using EU funds. The commitments emerged from the 21st EU–Canada summit in Montreal on Friday, Oct. 30, attended by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa.JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official. In a joint statement, the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, while promising to increase pressure on Moscow and pursue accountability for crimes committed during Russia’s invasion. The summit also produced a potentially significant development for Ukraine’s military procurement: Canada’s intention to participate in the EU’s Ukraine Support Loan for 2026–2027. According to the Canadian government’s official summit backgrounder, the arrangement would enable Ukraine to buy military equipment from Canadian defense companies using European financing, helping Kyiv address urgent battlefield needs while expanding transatlantic defense-industrial cooperation. EU advances €45 billion in additional funding for 2027 The announcement coincided with a separate European Commission decision on Friday to advance the remaining €45 billion under the €90 billion Ukraine Support Loan, providing another source of predictable financing for Kyiv in 2027. Other Topics of Interest Canada and EU Launch New Alliance Covering Ukraine, Critical Minerals and AI Canada will contribute an initial €500 million to the EU’s €90 billion support loan for Ukraine, which Ursula von der Leyen called “a powerful message.” Of that amount, €31.7 billion is earmarked for Ukraine’s defense industrial capacity, while up to €13.3 billion would support the state budget through the Ukraine Facility and macro-financial assistance. The Commission’s proposal, which still requires approval from the Council of the EU, would make the remaining funding available by Dec. 31, 2027. Von der Leyen described the measure as essential to ensuring Ukraine can continue maintaining public services and defending itself against Russia’s invasion. “Together with our allies, we must also do everything in our power to mount pressure on Russia to stop its barbaric war of aggression,” she said. EU Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius emphasized Ukraine’s immediate military requirements, including drone interceptors, ammunition, missiles and air defense radars. The Commission said it would continue working to accelerate European defense production and timely deliveries to Ukraine. Canada’s proposed participation would complement that effort by potentially making Canadian defense manufacturers an additional source of equipment under the EU-financed procurement framework. Ottawa has not announced a finalized participation agreement or a specific Canadian financial contribution. EU and Canada pledge stronger pressure on Russia In their joint declaration, the EU and Canada promised to continue providing Ukraine with comprehensive political, financial, economic, energy, humanitarian, military and diplomatic assistance. “We will further increase pressure on Russia and seek its accountability for the crimes committed in and against Ukraine,” the leaders said. The statement did not announce a specific new sanctions package but reaffirmed a shared commitment to holding Moscow responsible for its actions. The leaders also endorsed a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on international law and the UN Charter, explicitly supporting Ukraine’s territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. They pledged to continue efforts to secure the immediate and safe return of Ukrainian prisoners of war, detained civilians and children unlawfully deported or forcibly transferred by Russia. The declaration specifically highlighted the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, an initiative in which Canada has played a leading diplomatic role. Ahead of the summit, von der Leyen also addressed the human consequences of Russia’s invasion during a speech in Montreal, noting Canada’s longstanding support for Ukraine and its efforts to help return children taken by Russia. She emphasized that the partnership was rooted in the principle that nations must be free to determine their own future. Beyond immediate military needs, the summit statement reaffirmed support for Ukraine’s long-term reconstruction, institutional reforms and Euro-Atlantic integration. The EU and Canada said they would continue supporting reforms intended to strengthen Ukraine’s institutions and prepare the country for closer integration with European and transatlantic structures. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization, reporting since 1995. Its international reach – 90% of readers are outside of Ukraine – make it truly Ukraine’s global voice.