On 11–12 November, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha paid a working visit to Canada, where he participated in the meeting of foreign ministers of the Group of Seven at the invitation of Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand.

The programme of the meeting included thematic sessions on strengthening defence cooperation, increasing sanctions pressure on Russia, maritime security, as well as reinforcing energy and economic resilience. The discussions brought together the G7 countries, the European Union, and invited partners – India, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, the Republic of Korea, Australia and Mexico.

During his visit to Canada, Andrii Sybiha held separate meetings with the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of France Jean-Noël Barrot, Germany Johann Wadephul, Italy Antonio Tajani, as well as with the High Representative of the EU Kaja Kallas.

The Minister informed his counterparts about the situation on the frontline, Ukraine’s efforts to achieve peace, and the Ukrainian Government’s zero tolerance for corruption. He underscored the firm position of the President of Ukraine that all those involved in corruption offences will be held accountable. The parties discussed the EU’s 20th sanctions package, efforts to ensure the full use of frozen Russian assets, and strengthening Ukraine’s air defence ahead of the winter period.

Within the framework of the visit, Andrii Sybiha also held bilateral talks with Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand.

The Minister stressed that the partners are discussing ways to strengthen Ukraine’s long-range capabilities, increase investment in joint production of armaments and defence innovation, as well as practical steps toward a just and comprehensive peace.

Anita Anand announced a new Canadian sanctions package against Russia, which includes restrictions on 100 tankers of Russia’s “shadow fleet”, 13 individuals and 11 Russian entities, including drone manufacturers and companies involved in the liquefied natural gas sector. For the first time, Canada also imposed sanctions on companies that support Russia’s cyber infrastructure.

Andrii Sybiha expressed his gratitude to Canada for its leadership within the G7, for the latest energy support package worth 70 million dollars, as well as for its active role in the Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children.

During the G7 meeting, the Minister held a separate meeting with US Secretary of State Mark Rubio.

The parties discussed the need to further strengthen energy sanctions against Russia, practical steps to end the war, and current priorities for reinforcing Ukraine’s defence and energy resilience. The United States reaffirmed its steadfast support and commitment to working with partners to achieve a lasting peace.

Andrii Sybiha called on partners to move from the principle of supporting Ukraine “for as long as it takes” to supporting Ukraine “as strongly as possible”.

The Minister stressed that a significant increase in defence investment is key to depriving the Kremlin of any illusion of victory. Ukraine stands ready, with the support of its partners, to scale up production to 20 million drones in 2026.

The Foreign Minister thanked Germany for additional Patriot systems and underlined Ukraine’s need for Tomahawk, Storm Shadow, SCALP and Taurus missiles, as well as for joint production of strike drones and long-range missiles.

He also emphasized the effectiveness of Western sanctions and identified Russia’s energy sector and its tanker fleet as key targets for further pressure.

During a G7 ministerial session, Andrii Sybiha stated that restoring Ukraine’s sovereignty over Crimea is a necessary precondition for long-term security in the Black Sea region.

The Minister noted that:

• Russia obstructs freedom of navigation, attacks commercial vessels and illegally extracts resources in Ukraine’s exclusive economic zone;

• Russia’s actions violate the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea;

• the international community must block the illegal export of grain from the occupied territories and counter Russia’s “shadow fleet”.

He also stressed that Ukraine is ready to share its unique experience in protecting maritime routes and using naval drones.

On the margins of the G7 meeting, the Minister held a number of important bilateral talks:

• With India’s Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Andrii Sybiha discussed bilateral cooperation, shared Ukraine’s vision of the path to peace, the situation on the battlefield and the danger posed by Russian strikes on critical substations that power Ukrainian nuclear plants.

• With Japan’s new Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, the Foreign Minister of Ukraine discussed Russia’s escalating terror against Ukraine’s energy system and shared a list of priority energy needs ahead of winter. Andrii Sybiha also invited Toshimitsu Motegi to visit Ukraine at the earliest convenience.

• During a meeting with Brazil’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Mauro Vieira, Andrii Sybiha discussed bilateral cooperation, exchanged views on developments in Europe and Latin America, and underlined Ukraine’s readiness for an unconditional ceasefire and a leaders’ summit to advance peace efforts.

• Andrii Sybiha met with His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud to discuss ways to deepen cooperation between Ukraine and Saudi Arabia. The Minister commended the Kingdom’s positive role in peace efforts and humanitarian support in Gaza and in Russia’s war against Ukraine, and shared views on next steps towards a comprehensive and just peace for Ukraine, as well as on how Saudi Arabia and the Gulf countries can contribute to its achievement.

Ukraine is grateful to Canada and its partners for their steadfast support

Andrii Sybiha underlined that it is precisely through the joint efforts of its partners that Ukraine will be able to restore peace, strengthen its defence industry and ensure energy resilience in the face of Russian terror.

The Foreign Minister also thanked the Ukrainian community in Canada for its active engagement, solidarity and unwavering support for Ukraine.