Muhammad Amanullah — September 12, 2026
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has described the ongoing tensions between Canada and the United States as unusual and “strange,” urging both countries to resolve their differences through negotiations.
Zelensky said disputes between neighbouring countries could become dangerous, pointing to the situation between Ukraine and Russia as a clear example.
Concerns Over Canada-US Tensions
In an exclusive and detailed interview with a Canadian broadcaster, Zelensky shared his views on the situation developing in North America.
He was asked about growing disagreements between Canada and the United States, trade tensions and statements emerging from the US concerning the possibility of incorporating Canada into the United States or questions surrounding Canadian sovereignty.
Zelensky described the situation as “strange,” saying it was unusual for him to see such disagreements developing between two neighbouring countries.
‘This Is Very Dangerous’
The Ukrainian president described threatening statements from the United States regarding the possible annexation of Canada as dangerous.
He said that when problems arise between neighbouring countries, the situation should be taken seriously.
Using his own country as an example, Zelensky noted that Russia and Ukraine are also neighbours and that the dispute between the two countries eventually turned into a devastating war.
He made clear, however, that the problems between Canada and the United States are different from the Russia-Ukraine war. According to Zelensky, the main dispute in North America is largely economic and trade-related, while the conflict between Russia and Ukraine is an intense military confrontation.
Negotiations Are the Only Way Forward
Zelensky said the United States and Canada need to hold constructive and serious negotiations to resolve their differences.
According to the Ukrainian president, there is no better option for the two countries than dialogue.
He said Canada and the United States should communicate with each other in an extremely constructive manner, stressing that tensions between neighbouring countries are not beneficial under any circumstances.
Why Zelensky’s Visit to Canada Matters
Zelensky’s comments came at the conclusion of his recent visit to Canada. His trip took place at a time when trade tensions between Canada and the United States were intensifying, while the Russia-Ukraine war was also entering an important phase.
The main purpose of Zelensky’s visit to Canada was to seek additional support for Ukraine, including air defence systems, preparations for the winter season and further assistance in its war against Russia.
Canada and Ukraine’s Historic Partnership
During the visit, Canada and Ukraine signed a long-term strategic and political partnership agreement.
The agreement is being described as a foundation for expanding cooperation between the two countries in several areas, including defence, security, trade, investment, energy and critical minerals.
The agreement also includes defence cooperation, plans for large-scale drone production and initiatives aimed at strengthening the defence interests of both countries.
100-Year Partnership
Zelensky also highlighted the importance of the 100-year partnership agreed between Canada and Ukraine.
According to the Ukrainian president, the length of the partnership is not merely an administrative decision but also carries a symbolic message.
He said the partnership is intended to ensure long-term cooperation between the two countries so that future generations can also benefit from each other’s experience.
Zelensky said that the children and grandchildren of both countries would continue working together in the future and exchanging experience in security and other areas.
Efforts to Negotiate With Russia
Zelensky’s visit to Canada came as US President Donald Trump’s administration was once again intensifying diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the war between Russia and Ukraine.
US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner visited Moscow and Kyiv, where they discussed possible proposals for ending the war.
Following those efforts, US President Donald Trump said Russian President Vladimir Putin was interested in reaching an agreement to end the war.
Against this backdrop, Zelensky described strong relations with Canada as important for Ukraine. He said Canada’s support during the war had provided Ukraine with significant assistance on both the defence and political fronts, while cooperation between the two countries is expected to grow further in the future.
