**Canada’s Trudeau Urges Trump to Ensure Ukraine Deal Doesn’t Appease Putin**
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has told US President Donald Trump that any peace deal for Ukraine must include security guarantees and prevent further Russian aggression. During a phone call on February 22, Trudeau emphasized that the deal should not be seen as appeasement by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
If such a deal is made, it could lead to future land grabs in eastern Europe and the Baltics, according to Trudeau. He is urging Trump to ensure that Ukraine’s interests are protected in any negotiations with Russia.
**US Proposal Sparks Outrage in Kyiv**
Trump has recently authorized direct talks with Moscow on ending the conflict, excluding Kyiv from the negotiations. The US proposal would allow Russia to retain some occupied territories while transferring control of billions of dollars’ worth of Ukrainian natural resources to the US.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has strongly rejected this proposal, saying that it is unacceptable for Ukraine’s critical minerals to be handed over to the US. “I am not signing something that 10 generations of Ukrainians will have to repay,” Zelensky said.
**Western Leaders Pressure Trump**
French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer are traveling to Washington this week in an effort to convince Trump not to abandon Ukraine. They plan to propose a European-led deployment of “reassurance” troops to bolster Ukraine’s security.
It remains unclear whether Canada will be asked to participate, but Trudeau’s discussions with Trump suggest that Ottawa remains committed to supporting Ukraine as the war enters its fourth year.
**Canada Commits Billions in Aid**
Since the beginning of 2022, Canada has committed around $3.15 billion (CAD $4.5 billion) in aid to Ukraine, including air defense, ammunition, artillery, tanks, field equipment, and clothing.
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