By: Emmanuel Kusi

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s visit to Canada comes as Kyiv and its allies seek to strengthen Ukraine’s defences and continue diplomatic efforts.

For Ukrainians, the war has brought separation, loss and uncertainty. Families have been torn apart, children displaced, civilians detained and communities damaged. Behind the statistics are people waiting for loved ones and hoping to return to normal life.

Zelenskyy’s September 9–11 visit includes discussions on defence, energy and economic cooperation. In Calgary on Thursday, he said air defence and winter preparations were priorities, as Russian attacks continue to threaten Ukraine’s infrastructure and civilians.

The diplomatic effort extends beyond Canada. U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner recently held talks in Moscow and Kyiv to discuss ways to end the war. Zelenskyy described some proposals as constructive, but the meetings produced no breakthrough. U.S. President Donald Trump has since said that Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed a willingness to make a deal. However, officials in Ukraine, the United States and Europe remain sceptical of Moscow’s intentions.

Europe remains central to Ukraine’s future. On Thursday, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said that Russia’s continued aggression is strengthening European resolve to bolster defence capabilities and support Kyiv. Canada and the European Union have also reaffirmed their cooperation on security and on support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

For Canadians, Zelenskyy’s visit raises a broader question: what role should Canada play in a war thousands of kilometres away?

Ottawa’s involvement extends beyond military assistance. Canada says its partnership with Ukraine covers defence, recovery, reconstruction, energy and economic cooperation, and support for a just and lasting peace.

Any settlement will also need to address civilian protection, separated families, and people who have been detained or displaced.

Zelenskyy’s visit is part of a broader debate about what ending the war should entail for Ukraine and for those who have endured it.

For Ukraine, the real test of any peace deal will be whether families are reunited, communities restored, and people can live without fear.