Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand Reaffirms Support for Ukraine’s Sovereignty and Security Guarantees During Talks in Munich, Germany

On the sidelines of the annual security gathering in southern Germany, Canada and Ukraine sat down for a conversation that carried far more weight than the conference coffee chats and corridor diplomacy that usually define these events.

At the 2026 Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany, Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand met with her Ukrainian counterpart Andrii Sybiha for talks that underscored just how closely Ottawa continues to stand with Kyiv.

The conference, which regularly draws world leaders, defence chiefs and diplomats, has become one of the central stages for discussions about Russia’s war against Ukraine.

This year was no different.

Canada Repeats Its Unwavering Support

Anand did not mince words. She reaffirmed Canada’s backing for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity — language that has become a diplomatic constant since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.

Canada has already committed billions in military, financial and humanitarian assistance over the past four years.

Canadian troops have also trained thousands of Ukrainian soldiers under Operation UNIFIER, a mission that predates the full-scale invasion but has since expanded in scope and urgency.

In Munich, Anand reiterated that Canada remains ready to play a role in multilateral security guarantees for Ukraine as part of what’s being called the “Coalition of the Willing” — a grouping of nations exploring long-term frameworks to deter further Russian aggression once active fighting subsides.

Turning Up the Economic Pressure on Russia

The talks also zeroed in on sanctions. Canada has imposed sweeping measures against Russian officials, oligarchs, banks and industries since the war escalated.

Anand reaffirmed Ottawa’s commitment to tightening that pressure to weaken Moscow’s ability to sustain its military campaign.

Canada has previously moved to seize and repurpose certain sanctioned Russian assets, and discussions continue among G7 partners about how frozen Russian funds could help finance Ukraine’s reconstruction.

Munich provided another opportunity to coordinate those strategies.

The Human Cost at the Centre of Talks

Beyond battlefield lines and sanctions lists, the ministers addressed the deeply human side of the war.

They discussed efforts to secure the return of prisoners of war and unlawfully detained civilians, as well as the urgent issue of Ukrainian children who have been forcibly transferred or deported.

Canada co-chairs the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children alongside Ukraine — a diplomatic initiative aimed at tracing, identifying and bringing those children home.

For Kyiv, these humanitarian efforts are not a side note; they are central to what Ukrainian leaders describe as any “just and lasting peace.”

Peace Talks and the Long Road Ahead

While no breakthrough announcements came out of the meeting, both ministers reviewed developments in the broader peace process.

Ukraine has consistently insisted that any settlement must respect its internationally recognized borders and hold Russia accountable for violations of international law.

Canada’s position, reiterated in Munich, aligns firmly with that principle.

Ottawa continues to engage with European allies and NATO partners to ensure that diplomatic efforts do not undercut Ukraine’s sovereignty.

Rebuilding a Nation Under Fire

Another key focus was recovery and reconstruction.

Ukraine’s infrastructure — particularly its energy grid — has been repeatedly targeted.

Canada has provided equipment, funding and technical support to help restore power generation and protect energy facilities.

Reconstruction is expected to cost hundreds of billions of dollars.

Canadian officials have signaled that private-sector partnerships, international financial institutions and seized Russian assets could all play a role in the rebuilding process.

What’s Next?

The Munich meeting signals continuity rather than change.

Expect Canada to deepen its involvement in coalition discussions around post-war security guarantees and continue pushing sanctions coordination within the G7.

On the humanitarian front, Ottawa is likely to intensify efforts tied to the return of Ukrainian children and detainees — an issue that has gained increasing global attention.

As the conflict drags on, diplomatic forums like Munich will remain key arenas where alliances are tested, reinforced and, at times, quietly renegotiated.

Summary

At the 2026 Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany, Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand met with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha to reaffirm Canada’s steadfast support for Ukraine.

Anand reiterated Canada’s backing for Ukraine’s sovereignty, its willingness to contribute to multilateral security guarantees, and its commitment to increasing economic pressure on Russia.

The ministers also discussed humanitarian priorities, including the return of prisoners and deported children, as well as Ukraine’s long-term recovery and energy security.

The meeting underscored Canada’s continued diplomatic, economic and strategic engagement in Ukraine’s fight for a just and lasting peace.